Health Ministry Brings Vaccines, Antibiotics, Cancer Drugs Under QR Code Tracking Framework

New Delhi: In a move aimed at enhancing drug traceability, strengthening supply-chain monitoring, and curbing misuse of high-risk medicines, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has notified the Drugs (Seventh Amendment) Rules, 2026, bringing vaccines, antimicrobials, narcotic and psychotropic substances, and anticancer drugs under Schedule H2 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, thereby extending the QR code-based track-and-trace framework to these categories of medicines.

The amendment has been notified through G.S.R. 506(E) dated June 22, 2026, following public consultation on draft rules published on October 16, 2025. The Central Government stated that objections and suggestions received from stakeholders were considered before finalising the amendment, which was made after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB).

The amendment inserts a new Table 2 in Schedule H2, covering four key therapeutic categories: all vaccines, all antimicrobials, all narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances listed under the NDPS Act, 1985, and all anticancer drugs.

By expanding Schedule H2, the government seeks to improve tracking and record-keeping of these critical medicines throughout the distribution chain. The measure is expected to aid regulatory authorities in monitoring movement of drugs. The notification follows public consultation on draft rules issued in October 2025 and consideration of stakeholder feedback.

The amended provisions will come into force from July 1, 2027, except for antimicrobial formulations, which will be brought under the framework from July 1, 2028.