Telangana makes PvPI QR codes mandatory at all pharmacies

Telangana’s Drugs Control Administration has ordered all pharmacies to display the PvPI QR code and the toll-free number 1800-180-3024. This helps people quickly report adverse drug reactions, strengthening India’s drug safety and monitoring system

Hyderabad: Pharmacies, both retail and wholesale shops, will henceforth have to mandatorily display the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) designated Quick Reaction (QR) code and toll-free number prominently for people to report adverse drug reactions.

This direction from the Telangana Drugs Control Administration comes as part of the nationwide initiative to strengthen patient safety and pharmacovigilance.

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Along with PvPI QR code, the medical shops have been directed to display the toll-free number 1800-180-3024 at a prominent and visible location.

DCA director general Shahnawaz Qasim on Saturday said pharmacies must ensure that the QR code is clear, unobstructed, and easily accessible to the public. “This mechanism will enable quick and seamless reporting of adverse events/adverse drug reactions through the indigenous PvPI adverse drug reaction monitoring system,” he said.

By scanning the code displayed at any medical shop/pharmacy, individuals can instantly report any suspected adverse reaction to medicines, he said, adding that reports made through this system directly support the national efforts to detect, assess, and prevent drug-related risks.

People may also use the PvPI toll-free number to report adverse events/adverse drug reactions, he said.

Urging people to participate in enhancing drug safety, Qasim said ensuring robust adverse drug reaction reporting is essential for safeguarding public health and reinforcing the drug safety surveillance framework in India.