CHENNAI: In a significant move to protect consumers from counterfeit drugs, the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department has mandated that all medical shops in the state display a dedicated QR-code-enabled sticker.

This initiative gains urgent context from a series of tragedies across India, most notably the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh linked to adulterated cough syrups, made in TN, in October 2025 , which spotlighted the grave dangers of spurious pharmaceuticals.

The new system allows the public to easily report suspected fake drugs. By scanning the QR code displayed in shops, individuals can lodge complaints directly via a newly developed application if they experience adverse reactions after consuming medicine or find counterfeit products being sold.

This proactive measure follows decisive state action against counterfeit cough syrup last October, when the Tamil Nadu Health Department shut down a responsible company Srisan Pharma, and banned its product.

The issue persisted last month in neighbouring Puducherry, where counterfeit medicines were sold under a reputable company's name, leading to arrests and a subsequent nationwide ban on the affected batch by central health authorities.

Citing intelligence about the circulation of fake medicines in various areas, the Tamil Nadu drug regulator has now made it compulsory for every pharmacy to display the official complaint sticker. The order aims to empower vigilant citizens and create a rapid-response network to identify and halt the distribution of dangerous, spurious medications.