The Socialists Parliamentary Group has presented a Non-Legislative Proposal (PNL), for debate in the Plenary of Congress, requesting the inclusion of the expiration date in braille on medicine packaging. Specifically, the initiative, accessed by Europa Press, urges the Government to «consider the necessary measures to advance universal accessibility in medicine packaging, to enhance the safety of blind and visually impaired individuals.»
According to the PSOE in the statement of reasons, it is currently mandatory in Spain and Europe to include braille information on the outer packaging of human use medicines. Recently, the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices has issued an instruction regarding the inclusion of braille alphabet on certain veterinary medicines.
Furthermore, it is specified that the Royal Decree regulating the authorization, registration, and dispensation conditions of industrially manufactured human use medicines expressly states that the medicine’s name must be indicated in braille on the outer packaging or, in its absence, on the primary packaging.
However, the Socialists warn that the obligation to include important and necessary information such as the medicine’s expiration date is not stipulated, which could lead to insecurity for blind or visually impaired individuals, who are forced to rely on others to determine if a medicine is suitable for consumption.
The PSOE supports its proposal by citing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which recognizes the right to information of individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the Legislative Royal Decree approving the consolidated text of the General Law on the rights of persons with disabilities and their social inclusion establishes that public authorities will take relevant measures to ensure universal accessibility, on equal terms with other individuals.
Moreover, it is noted that the law on consumer and user protection against situations of social and economic vulnerability requires braille labeling of goods and consumer products, including an additional provision on inclusive labeling.
Likewise, the Socialists highlight that the regulatory development of the aforementioned law on braille labeling is currently being processed, as well as other formats ensuring universal accessibility, particularly for blind and visually impaired individuals as vulnerable consumer persons.
FUENTE