The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has directed all State and Union Territory drug licensing authorities to ensure that retail and wholesale pharmacies prominently display a designated Quick Response (QR) code along with the toll‑free helpline 1800‑180‑3024. This initiative enables easy reporting of adverse drug reactions, strengthens pharmacovigilance, and enhances patient safety by providing accessible reporting channels nationwide.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has directed all State and Union Territory drug licensing authorities to ensure that retail and wholesale pharmacies prominently display a designated Quick Response (QR) code along with a toll-free helpline number.
This initiative is intended to strengthen pharmacovigilance by enabling the public, patients, and healthcare professionals to report adverse drug reactions (ADRs) quickly and conveniently.
According to the circular, the QR code must be placed at a visible location within pharmacy premises to ensure accessibility. Alongside the QR code, the toll-free helpline number 1800-180-3024 must also be displayed clearly.
This dual mechanism provides both digital and telephonic channels for reporting ADRs, thereby enhancing transparency and patient safety.By standardizing this requirement nationwide, CDSCO aims to build a robust reporting framework, improve monitoring of drug safety, and facilitate timely regulatory interventions.
Pharmacies are therefore urged to comply promptly with this directive to support public health and ensure continuity of safe pharmaceutical practices.