ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to introduce a modern digital system to track and verify medicines across the country, aiming to eliminate fake, counterfeit, and substandard drugs from the market, Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal announced on Tuesday.
The federal cabinet has approved amendments to the Drug Labeling and Packing Rules, 1978, allowing the use of 2D barcodes and serialization data on medicine packaging. This system will let regulators monitor medicines from production to consumption and quickly identify counterfeit products.
Mustafa Kamal described the initiative as a historic step toward ensuring the availability of safe and authentic medicines in Pakistan. He said every medicine will now be digitally traceable, enhancing transparency, safety, and accountability.
The minister added that consumers will be able to verify a medicine’s expiry date, price, and authenticity, helping them make informed healthcare choices and boosting public confidence in the pharmaceutical sector.
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) will oversee the nationwide rollout and issue technical guidelines for compliance. Consultations with industry stakeholders have already been held to ensure a smooth transition.
Mustafa Kamal said the new digital framework will strengthen the security and quality of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical supply chain and position the country as a regional leader in medicine regulation. He emphasized that the track-and-trace system would serve as a strong barrier against counterfeit medicines, protecting public health and safety.
