Pakistan Launches Barcode System to Combat Fake Medicines
ISLAMABAD – The federal cabinet of Pakistan has approved a new barcode verification system for medicines as part of a track-and-trace initiative aimed at eliminating counterfeit and substandard drugs in the country. This move is expected to enhance the authenticity checks on medicines, ensuring that consumers have access to safe and reliable pharmaceutical products.
Federal Minister for National Health Services, Syed Mustafa Kamal, announced that the cabinet has formally agreed to implement the system through amendments to the Drug Labelling and Packing Rules, 1978. The minister described the development as a significant step towards eradicating fake medicines from the market.
Under the new framework, pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers will be mandated to print two-dimensional (2D) barcodes along with serialization data on all medicine packaging. This technology will empower consumers to digitally verify the authenticity of their medicines and obtain verified information such as expiry dates, usage instructions, and prices.
Kamal emphasized that this digital verification process will serve as a robust mechanism to identify and remove counterfeit and low-quality medicines from the supply chain. The initiative also aims to improve transparency within the pharmaceutical sector and enhance regulatory oversight by replacing traditional monitoring methods with modern technology.
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) will oversee the nationwide implementation of the barcode system. It is expected to issue detailed technical guidelines to the pharmaceutical industry in the coming weeks to facilitate smooth adoption of the new rules. Prior to the cabinet’s approval, consultative meetings were held with stakeholders to ensure coordinated execution.
This track-and-trace system is viewed as a critical barrier against counterfeit drugs, with the potential to safeguard public health and boost consumer confidence in the country’s medical products. The government hopes that the initiative will contribute to modernizing Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure and position the country as a leader in pharmaceutical regulatory technologies in the region.
With the introduction of this digital verification solution, Pakistan is taking a proactive approach to preventing the circulation of fake medicines and reinforcing the integrity of its drug supply chain.