In a bid to strengthen patient safety and pharmacovigilance, the Goa Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration (DFDA) has directed all 1,017 licensed retail pharmacies in the state to implement reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) using a newly introduced QR code system. The initiative allows patients and consumers to report ADRs directly and easily.
QR Code-Based ADR Reporting Initiative
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), which functions as the National Coordination Centre (NCC) for the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI), has introduced this QR code-enabled reporting feature across five states—Goa, Puducherry, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Nagaland.
> The QR code links users directly to the ADR Monitoring System (ADRMS) software of PvPI and provides access to the PvPI toll-free helpline: 1800 180 3024.
Pharmacies to Display Standardized QR Posters
Under DFDA’s directive, every retail pharmacy must display a standardized poster containing the QR code prominently at their premises. This measure is intended to encourage patients, caregivers, and consumers to report ADRs independently and with ease.
“Following the introduction of ADR reporting through a QR code, Goa DFDA will take feedback from stakeholders for further efficient implementation,” stated Shweta Dessai, Director, DFDA Goa.
About the ADRMS Software
The ADRMS is India’s first medical product safety reporting database designed specifically for the country’s healthcare environment. It enables healthcare professionals, patients, ADR Monitoring Centres (AMCs), and Medical Device Monitoring Centres (MDMCs) to submit reports related to adverse events involving medicines and medical devices. Moreover, the system provides a direct gateway for pharmaceutical manufacturers and Marketing Authorization Holders (MAHs) to submit safety reports.
Data generated through ADRMS supports the IPC in making regulatory recommendations to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), ultimately guiding safer medical practices nationwide. The ADRMS platform is accessible at: www.adrmsipc.in.
Goa’s Expanding Regulatory and Manufacturing Ecosystem
The Goa DFDA holds Observer status with the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) and continues to strengthen its pharmaceutical oversight capabilities. The state has:
*1,017 retail pharmacies
*377 drug wholesale distributors
*53 allopathic drug manufacturing units
*14 medical device units
*8 ayurvedic units
*8 cosmetics manufacturing units
Many of these manufacturing units are internationally certified and cater to both domestic and global markets.
Regulatory Infrastructure and Workforce
The state’s regulatory framework is supported by:
*A public drug testing laboratory equipped for chemical and microbiological analysis
*Five blood banks
*A skilled workforce comprising qualified pharmacists, 10 drug inspectors, three assistant commissioners, two deputy directors, and the DFDA director.
As reported by pharmabiz.com, the coordinated system enables the DFDA to ensure strong regulatory compliance and product quality. It also safeguards patient safety across Goa’s pharmaceutical and healthcare landscape.