Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, announced that the federal cabinet has approved the implementation of a nationwide track-and-trace system for medicines, describing it as a landmark initiative aimed at eliminating counterfeit, substandard and fake medicines from the country. According to the Ministry on Tuesday, the cabinet has also approved the necessary amendments to the Drug Labeling and Packing Rules, 1978, enabling the introduction of a modern digital system for tracking and verifying medicines throughout the supply chain. 

Under the new regulatory framework, all pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers will be required to place standardized 2D barcodes and serialization data on medicine packaging. The system will enable regulators to monitor medicines from production to consumption, helping identify and eliminate counterfeit products from the market. Minister said the decision represented a major and historic step towards ensuring the availability of safe and authentic medicines in Pakistan. 

“This decision marks a major and historic step towards eliminating counterfeit, fake, and substandard medicines from Pakistan,” said Health Minister Mustafa Kamal. “For the first time, every medicine in the country will be digitally traceable and verifiable, ensuring greater transparency, safety, and accountability.” The Minister stated that once implemented, consumers will be able to access authentic information regarding a medicine’s expiry date, price, and verification status, empowering them to make informed healthcare decisions and enhancing public trust in the pharmaceutical sector. 

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) will oversee the nationwide rollout of the Track & Trace System. DRAP will also issue detailed technical guidelines to facilitate compliance by the pharmaceutical industry. Consultative meetings with relevant stakeholders have already been conducted to ensure a smooth transition. Mustafa Kamal emphasized that the initiative will significantly strengthen the security and quality of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical supply chain, replacing conventional monitoring mechanisms with a modern digital framework. 

He noted that the adoption of advanced technology will position Pakistan among the leading countries in the region in pharmaceutical regulation and oversight. “The Track & Trace System will establish a strong and effective barrier against counterfeit medicines and ensure the protection of public health, lives, and trust,” the Minister concluded. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)