Jharkhand Makes QR Codes Mandatory For 300 Essential Drugs | The Jharkhand government has taken a major step to combat the growing menace of counterfeit medicines in the state. Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari has declared a strict crackdown on fake drug syndicates and corrupt officials, affirming that playing with public health will no longer be tolerated.
QR Code Now Mandatory for Key Medicines
In a significant regulatory move, Dr. Ansari announced that 300 essential medicines will now require QR codes for retail sale. These include commonly used drugs like painkillers, fever medicines, platelet boosters, sugar and thyroid medications, contraceptives, and vitamin supplements.
The QR codes will provide critical information such as the drug’s authenticity, manufacturer, batch number, manufacturing and expiry dates, making it easier to identify counterfeit products instantly.
Medical stores across the state have been given a final warning. If any unregistered medicines are found on their premises, their licenses will be revoked immediately, and the shops will be sealed without further notice.
Youth Threatened by Misuse of Cough Syrup
Highlighting a growing public health concern, the Health Minister pointed to the abuse of cough syrups containing codeine and alcohol, which are widely misused by the youth. Calling such syrups a “poison in the name of medicine,” Dr. Ansari warned that these substances are causing serious brain and liver damage. He stated that selling these syrups without a valid doctor’s prescription will now be considered a criminal offense, punishable by strict legal action.
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All drug inspectors in Jharkhand have been instructed to conduct thorough inspections with honesty and integrity. If any inspector is found negligent or complicit in the circulation of fake drugs, immediate disciplinary action will follow.
Transfers for Long-Posted Officials
In an anti-corruption push, the minister announced that all officials posted in the same location for over three years will be transferred. “These entrenched officers are rotting the system,” said Dr. Ansari, warning that collusion and corruption will no longer be tolerated in the health department.
To ensure quick and accurate testing of food and medicines, new state-of-the-art laboratories will be established in Dumka, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, and Palamu. These labs will eliminate the delays and irregularities associated with out-of-state testing, enabling real-time results from within Jharkhand itself.
Crackdown on Food Adulteration in Malls and Hotels
In a simultaneous move, the state will also launch inspections of food items being sold in malls, hotels, and restaurants. Any instances of adulteration, expired items, or quality violations will lead to immediate raids and legal action. “There will be zero compromise on food quality,” Dr. Ansari emphasized.
This sweeping set of reforms signals the Jharkhand government’s firm stance on public health protection, ensuring that both medicines and food items in the state are safe, genuine, and trustworthy.
