DTAB Recommends Affixing QR Code on all Vaccine Products

This move aims to enhance tracking mechanisms and ensure the quality and safety of vaccines distributed in the country.

The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has proposed affixing barcodes or QR codes on all vaccine products to regulate vaccine distribution and usage in the country. 

In a recent meeting, the DTAB deliberated implementing stricter regulations to ensure the quality and safety of vaccine products. Further, this initiative also aligns with the necessary standards for the upcoming World Health Organization (WHO) Global Benchmarking of Vaccines. 

With this development, DTAB aims to enhance tracking mechanisms and ensure the quality and safety of vaccines distributed in the country.

Implementation & Monitoring

One of the board's key recommendations is the mandatory affixing of barcodes or QR codes on all vaccine products. 

Furthermore, the benchmarking process assesses National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) based on Global Benchmarking Tools (GBT) to ensure compliance with international standards for vaccine regulation.

The DTAB also recommended extending the tracking mechanism to other essential pharmaceutical products, including antimicrobials and narcotic and psychotropic substances, in a phased manner. This phased approach aims to gradually implement stricter regulations across the pharmaceutical sector to ensure the safety and efficacy of all medical products.

In the meeting, the board highlighted the importance of monitoring the implementation of the existing QR code system for the top 300 brands in the states. According to them, this monitoring process will help assess the effectiveness of the QR code system in ensuring the authenticity and traceability of pharmaceutical products.

This measure seeks to improve tracking and monitoring systems, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability in the distribution of vaccines.

Response from Regulatory Authorities

Speaking on the recommendation, a spokesperson from the DTAB said, "The proposal to affix a Barcode or QR Code on all vaccine products has been agreed upon by the Board. Additionally, there is a plan to extend this requirement to other essential pharmaceutical products in a phased manner." 

The government's notification in November 2022 mandated the affixing of QR codes on labels of 300 brands of different products, including vaccines. This initiative, which took effect on August 1, 2023, aimed to enhance the traceability and authenticity of pharmaceutical products in the market.

"The manufacturers of drug formulation products shall print or affix bar code or quick response code on its primary packaging label to facilitate authentication," stated the notification. 

The recommendation by the DTAB to affix barcodes or QR codes on all vaccine products reflects a proactive approach towards enhancing regulatory standards in the pharmaceutical sector. 

By implementing stricter tracking mechanisms and monitoring systems, the aim is to improve transparency, and accountability, and ultimately, ensure the safety and efficacy of medical products distributed in the country.