In Agra, UP STF and the Drug Department seized counterfeit medicines worth ₹3.32 crore. Fake medicines can be life-threatening in serious illnesses. To identify them, it is important to pay attention to packaging, batch number, QR code, color-shape, and the bill. Vigilance is the easiest way to get safe medicine.
How to identify fake medicines: In a major operation in Agra, a joint team of UP STF and the Drug Department seized fake medicines worth ₹3.32 crore. The investigation revealed that these medicines were being sent to several states. Fake medicines not only lead to treatment failure but can also cause serious side effects. In such a situation, the question arises how can common people understand the difference between real and fake medicine? Experts say that identification is easily possible by looking at the packaging, batch number, QR code, and bill.
Why are fake medicines dangerous?
The effect of fake medicines is not limited to the disease not being cured, but it can also have the opposite effect on the body. If someone has a serious illness like blood pressure, sugar, cancer, or heart disease and gets fake medicine, their condition may worsen. Many times wrong chemicals are mixed in these medicines which slowly damage the body. In such cases, the patient does not understand why the medicine is not working and is actually suffering the harm.
How to differentiate between fake and real medicine
Fake medicines can be avoided if a little caution is taken while buying medicines. There are some easy ways which every person needs to know.
- Pay attention to packaging: The packaging of genuine medicines is clean and b. The writing on it is very clear. Whereas in fake medicine the packaging is often with blurred printing or full of spelling mistakes. Many times the packaging looks loose and of inferior quality.
- Check Batch Number and Expiry: Every genuine medicine has the batch number, manufacturing date and expiry date clearly written on it. In fake medicines, these numbers often do not seem correct or the same number is written on all packs.
- Scan the Barcode or QR Code: Nowadays most genuine medicine companies give a QR code on the packaging. As soon as you scan with a mobile, it is known whether the medicine is recorded in the company's records or not. In fake medicine, this code is either not there or no information is received on scanning.
- See color and shape: The color and shape of real medicine are always the same. The color of fake medicine may be slightly faded or unusually bright. Many times a difference is also seen in the shape.
- Buy medicine with a bill: Whether the medicine is cheap or expensive, always buy it with a bill. If the shopkeeper refuses to give a bill, then it is a matter of suspicion. Medicine without a bill is not guaranteed to be genuine.
- Check company logo and seal: The company logo on the packaging of genuine medicines is clear and absolutely correct. Fake medicine manufacturers often copy the logo, but the difference becomes clear on close inspection.
Be alert if there is no effect
If there is no improvement in the disease even after taking any medicine or if there is any reaction, then consult a doctor immediately. Also, report that medicine to the company or drug department so that further investigation can be done.
Big challenge for the government and agencies
The business of fake medicines has become so big that the government and agencies are having to take continuous action. The action in Agra is a big example of this. But the truth is that this malpractice is difficult to eradicate unless the common people remain vigilant. Just as we check the quality of vegetables or grains while buying them, similarly, complete vigilance is necessary while buying medicines.
The game of fake medicines will be stopped only by people's awareness
The business of fake medicines can be stopped only when people are aware. Every person should check things like packaging, barcode and bill while buying medicine. If any medicine seems suspicious, report it immediately. This vigilance of the general public is the biggest threat to the gang selling fake medicines.
