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26 June 2026

QR code framework for drugs expanded

This is a significant regulatory amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945, which directly addresses public health governance and the critical issue of spurious medicines through a specific technological framework.

1 min read Day 1 of 2 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • The Union Health Ministry has amended the Drugs Rules, 1945, to expand the scope of Schedule H2.
  • The amendment mandates a QR code-based track-and-trace framework for specific drug categories.
  • Categories included under Schedule H2: all vaccines, antimicrobials, narcotic and psychotropic drugs (under NDPS Act, 1985), and all anti-cancer drugs.
  • Manufacturers must affix QR codes on primary packaging or secondary packaging if space is insufficient.
  • QR code data requirements: unique product identification code, generic and brand names, manufacturer details, batch number, manufacturing and expiry dates, manufacturing licence number, and excipient details.
  • The primary objective of this framework is to curb the distribution of spurious medicines and ensure supply chain verification.

Part of a longer story

This is day 1 of 2 in Implementation of QR code-based drug authentication, which has been running since 26 June 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Discuss the significance of the QR code-based track-and-trace framework in ensuring the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain in India. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The integration of digital technologies in the regulation of essential medicines is a critical step towards public health security. Elaborate on how the expansion of Schedule H2 under the Drugs Rules, 1945, addresses the challenge of spurious drugs in the Indian market. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following categories of drugs have been included under Schedule H2 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, for the mandatory QR code-based track-and-trace framework?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-06-26/qr-code-framework-for-drugs-expanded