Fake Medicines Verification: Now QR Codes Will Catch Spurious Medicines! West Bengal Government’s New Step

Fake Medicines Verification: The West Bengal government has issued an important advisory to protect state citizens from the dangers of spurious and counterfeit medicines. The Health Department has released these guidelines to make consumers more aware and cautious when purchasing medicines.

Key Highlights of the Advisory:

• Verify Valid License: Before buying medicines, it is essential to check if the store displays a copy of its license to sell medicines. This ensures the pharmacy is officially recognized.
• Collect Proper Receipt: Always insist on a proper cash memo for every medicine purchase. This receipt must clearly state the medicine’s name, batch number, and expiry date. This information will serve as crucial proof in case of any issues later.
• Scan QR Codes: A list of around 300 medicines with QR codes is available on the website www.wbhealth.gov.in/DrugAlerts. By scanning these QR codes, you can easily verify the authenticity of the medicines, making it simpler to identify fake drugs.
• Complaint Lodging Process: If you suspect any medicine to be counterfeit or spurious, report it immediately. Complaints can be lodged by emailing a picture of the medicine and a copy of the cash memo to [email protected] or via WhatsApp at 7908077615.

The state’s Directorate of Drugs Control has forwarded this advisory to various medical institutions and the Bengal Chemists and Druggists Association, which represents approximately 45,000 wholesale and retail medicine dealers in West Bengal.

Essential Advice for the Public:

• Always buy medicines from known and trusted pharmacies.
• Carefully inspect the packaging, spelling, and quality of medicines. If you have any doubts, inform the seller.
• Be wary of medicines sold at unusually low prices or with extraordinary discounts.
• Do not consume any medication without a doctor’s prescription.

Adhering to these guidelines can help protect yourself and your family from the menace of counterfeit drugs. Awareness and caution are key to combating this societal problem.