Last Updated on October 4, 2025 by The Health Master
Braille labeling
Recently, India’s top drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), has welcomed comments from stakeholders across the pharmaceutical arena and advocacy sectors regarding a proposal of Braille labeling on medicine strips that would allow the blind and visually impaired to access critical information on medicine strips.
This means that companies have the chance to provide feedback on a plan that will change the lives of blind and partially sighted individuals significantly.
This is not the first announcement regarding this change.
Back in July 2020, during the 58th Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) meeting, the proposal for such a change was put on the table, leading to a sub-committee specially designed to explore the depths of need and implementation for this project over time.
Phased Suggestions Include:
The sub-committee has made several suggestions that are quite specific to implementation over time.
Some of the following will potentially take effect:
- Braille labeling will be implemented voluntarily on medicine packaging for single or mono packs. This would be a phased process where companies could test things out at their level while not being locked into a contract.
- Braille labeling will be considered for medicines most frequently used by blind and impaired persons, including eye drops, as they need specific details for proper administration.
- Proposed exemptions will apply to Braille labeling needs for injections, vaccines, etc., as these are provided directly by professionals who can educate the patient without the need for Braille labeling.
- Registered agencies like Braille Council of India or any other government-specified body must clear any design for branded packaging to ensure accuracy.
In subsequent meetings, new ideas were provided that can expand upon the original concept. During the 66th DCC meeting held on June 17, 2025, these suggestions were also made:
1. For bigger packs (more than ten tablets/capsules), separate Braille cards should accompany the medicines.
2. QR codes will be utilized on larger packaging to provide voice assistance once scanned for medicine identification, dosage, and expiration information.
What’s Next?
This opportunity is a clear indication that India’s pharmaceutical and regulatory industry is responsive and accountable to its stakeholders and vulnerable populations.
The public comment period is a chance for pharmaceutical giants, consumer interest groups, and the visually impaired community to unite under a proposal that can significantly enhance quality of life for millions.
This is more than just a packaging change; it’s a health sector initiative to embrace empathy and inclusivity where blind persons can now learn about their medicine with the same accessibility as sighted persons.
With the implementation of voice assistance via QR codes additionally championed at new meetings, India could set the standard internationally for accessible healthcare.
Q: What kind of information will be in Braille labeling on the medicine strips?
A: The name of the medicine and its expiration date will be in Braille labeling on the medicine strips.
Q: Why are injections and vaccines excluded from this rule?
A: These medications come with professional administration in clinical settings where trained professionals provide all necessary information.
Disclaimer: This article contains information obtained from the source mentioned below. Our team made changes in the format to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
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