India explores braille & QR code labelling to improve access to medicines for visually impaired

INDIA – India’s drug regulatory authority, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), has invited public comments on proposed guidelines to introduce braille cards and voice-assisted QR codes on pharmaceutical packaging.

The initiative seeks to address long-standing challenges faced by blind and visually impaired individuals in identifying medicines and reading essential details such as names, dosages, and expiry dates.

According to the National Medical Journal of India, the country is home to nearly eight million blind people and 62 million visually impaired individuals, representing almost one-quarter of the global total.

“These special people face difficulty to know the name and expiry of the medicines and depend on others,” CDSCO noted in its draft proposal.

“We request for a provision under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules to label the drugs with braille inscriptions.”

A sub-committee of the Drugs Consultative Committee examined the issue and recommended several measures.

These include the use of braille inscriptions on secondary packaging for medicine packs containing more than 10 units and the incorporation of QR codes linked to voice guidance, enabling patients to access product information via smartphones.

The proposals also emphasize validation of braille artwork by nodal agencies such as the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and the Braille Council of India.

The recommendations draw on international models, particularly the European Commission’s guidelines on labelling medicinal products.

These mandate larger font sizes, standardized spacing, and accessibility in patient information leaflets.

Similar practices have already been implemented in regions such as the EU, where braille has been required on packaging of all prescription medicines since 2005.

In India, the CDSCO suggests that implementation will begin on a voluntary basis for drugs supplied in mono carton packs, with further steps depending on stakeholder feedback. Exceptions are proposed for medicines administered under healthcare supervision, such as injectables and vaccines, where braille labels may not be necessary.

The move comes at a time when patient-centric design is gaining momentum globally, driven by the growth of self-medication and home healthcare.

Advocates say the adoption of braille and smart QR code labelling would mark a significant step toward health equity, ensuring millions of visually impaired Indians can access medicines with greater independence and safety.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE