Lack of braille labelling and instructions on Chinese pharmaceutical packaging

Abstract

Braille labels and instructions on medicine packaging are scarce in China, impeding blind individuals’ ability to obtain information about medications. Article 37 of China’s Barrier-Free Environment Creation Law, enacted in September 2023, requires braille labelling and instructions for pharmaceuticals. This provision offers essential legal protection to ensure the safety of blind individuals when using medications. Nevertheless, the use of braille labels and instructions for medicines is hindered by ambiguous statutes, limited social consciousness, financial factors and technological constraints. To promote the use of braille on medicinal labels and instructions, China should bolster its legislation, increase social consciousness, alleviate the financial strain on pharmaceutical manufacturers, foster technological advancement and encourage collaboration and self-governance within the pharmaceutical industry.