From Labels to Voice: IMPACT-VIP Meet Calls for Accessible Medicine Packaging for Visually Impaired
Mysuru: A stakeholder roundtable organised in Mysuru has drawn attention to the urgent need for safer and more accessible medication practices for visually impaired persons, amid concerns that conventional drug labels and packaging remain largely inaccessible to them.
The meeting was held under the Investigation of Medication Practices and Care Technology for Visually Impaired Persons (IMPACT-VIP) initiative and brought together policymakers, healthcare professionals, academicians and technology partners. Participants discussed how small print, lack of tactile markings and non-inclusive packaging force visually impaired patients to depend on others for identifying medicines and understanding dosage instructions.
Experts at the meet highlighted that such dependence increases the risk of medication errors, incorrect dosing and accidental misuse. Ensuring independent access to medicine-related information was emphasised as critical for patient safety, dignity and adherence to treatment.
A key proposal discussed was the introduction of QR codes on medicine strips and packaging, which could be scanned using smartphones to provide audio-based information. Through voice output, visually impaired users would be able to access essential details such as the medicine name, dosage, manufacturer, batch number and expiry date.
Addressing the gathering, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao mentioned that the State government plans to submit a proposal to the Central government seeking mandatory implementation of QR codes on pharmaceutical packaging. He noted that such a measure would benefit not only visually impaired individuals but also elderly patients and those facing literacy or language barriers.
According to a recent media report in The Hindu, the IMPACT-VIP initiative is being implemented with international collaboration involving Japan-based organisations and technical partners, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and aims to integrate healthcare and digital technology to enhance medication safety for visually challenged communities.
The discussions concluded with a consensus on the need for policy backing, technological adoption and cooperation from the pharmaceutical industry to ensure inclusive and safe access to medicines.
