Last Updated on January 13, 2026 by The Health Master
QR Code
India has officially entered a new chapter of Drug Safety Regulation. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has issued a transformative order for citizens to ensure access to any side effects one may experience from taking drugs by means of displaying QR code at every medical store.
This is all a part of India’s national Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI); thus, any changes in patient safety will now travel even quicker from patient to the agency.
But why is this Drug Safety Regulation making waves?
For many years, reporting an Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) has not been the easiest option for the non-drug professional. But now, it should be easier.
According to a CDSCO circular dated November 20, 2025, with immediate effect all retail/wholesale pharmacy stores across India will now be obligated to prominently place:
- A dedicated PvPI QR Code.
- The PvPI Toll-Free Number: 1800-180-3024.
Effective from the 16th Working Group Meeting of PvPI on 18 June 2025, this new piece of information will add to goals of improved patient safety and Pharmacovigilance.
By placing this in front of patients where drugs are being dispensed, this now gives power to all pharmacies as reporting agencies.
This is significant as never before have retail pharmacies been recognized physical locations to report ADRs.
This will greatly benefit future goals of Indian Pharmacovigilance and drug oversight to come.
Thus, the global citizenry and any healthcare professional should feel empowered by ADRMS data that this mechanism of reporting is finally feasible and functional!
Where Will You See This Change?
In your local or wholesale pharmacy! Effective immediately, the Licencing Authorities of States and Union Territories will ensure compliance within all pharmacies.
This is what you need to expect from newly posted signs:
The PvPI QR Code:
This is to be published in such a way that it is easily accessible by the average Indian so that they can access the indigenous PvPI Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring System (ADRMS). The main priority is that any adverse events or suspected events from drugs taken can be instantly reported online for investigation. This is India’s basis for ADR reporting.
The PvPI Toll-Free Number (1800-180-3024):
As an alternative option if someone would prefer calling in a suspected ADR, this alternative but equally beneficial method gives citizens an empowering ability to remain engaged with patient safety monitoring after they suspected a side effect.
This aspect of the system will be managed by the National Coordination Centre – the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission – which is also the PvPI secretariat and a WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmacovigilance.
How You Can Best Assist in Public Health Safeguarding
The only way a report ever gets processed as intended is if everyday citizens report an adverse event, as this provides useful information that can lead to practical recommendations or even conclusions as to whether the drug should be available in the first place.
This is known as public health protection.
Thus, whether it’s your responsibility to report via QR code or toll-free number at your pharmacy is irrelevant to your health; either way you should let someone know if you suspect an ADR from your use of a particular drug.
Additionally, if your pharmacy fails to comply and does not show this required information, inform them that the CDSCO requests “wide dissemination among all the license holders and monitor strict compliance”.
This is a new and exciting chapter in India’s drug safety existence and the reality has been made overwhelmingly clear by government authorities about timely reporting of any medicine side effects as soon as you get them!
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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