Pakistan to Make 2D Barcodes Mandatory on Medicines to Curb Counterfeit Drugs
ISLAMABAD: Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has reviewed the trial of a two-dimensional (2D) barcode system aimed at eliminating counterfeit medicines across Pakistan, stressing that the Ministry of Health is determined to eradicate the sale of fake drugs nationwide.
The review meeting was chaired by Mustafa Kamal and attended by the chief executive officers of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and the National Information Technology Board (NITB).
During the meeting, the DRAP chief executive briefed the health minister on the implementation of 2D barcodes and the serialization system for medicines.
Mustafa Kamal said the Ministry of Health had been working on introducing 2D barcodes on medicines for the past 18 months as part of efforts to improve drug safety, traceability and transparency in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
He said that under the planned system, every medicine manufactured after October 9 would be required to carry a 2D barcode. Local and multinational pharmaceutical companies would also be required to print the barcode and serial number on medicines manufactured from October 10.
Imported medicines would likewise not be permitted for sale in Pakistan without the prescribed 2D barcode, according to the announcement.
Consumers Will Be Able to Verify Medicines Through a Mobile App
The health minister said DRAP had completed relevant training for pharmaceutical company representatives and other stakeholders to facilitate the implementation of the new system.
Under the barcode mechanism, members of the public will be able to use a mobile application to verify whether a medicine is genuine or counterfeit.
The application will also allow consumers to check a medicine’s price and expiry date, helping them make informed decisions before purchasing pharmaceutical products.
Pharmacies, medical stores and ordinary consumers will all be able to use the application to verify medicines, improving transparency and strengthening safeguards against counterfeit products.
Barcode System to Cover Veterinary and Poultry Medicines
Mustafa Kamal said the 2D barcode system would also be extended to veterinary and poultry medicines.
He emphasised that medicines used to treat animals were directly linked to human health, making it essential to ensure their quality, safety and authenticity.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating counterfeit medicines and said the new system would help strengthen regulatory oversight and protect public health across the country.
