Revolutionary Step: Pakistan Approves Digital 'Track & Trace' System to Eradicate Fake Medicines
Federal Cabinet Amends 1978 Drug Rules; Mandatory 2D Barcodes and Serialisation to Secure Pharmaceutical Supply Chain
ISLAMABAD: In a historic move to protect public health, the Federal Cabinet has officially approved the implementation of a nationwide digital Track and Trace system for pharmaceutical products.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Health Services confirmed that the cabinet has ratified essential amendments to the Drug Labeling and Packing Rules, 1978 to legally back the digital rollout.
A Historic Milestone Against Counterfeit Drugs
Federal Minister for National Health Services, Mustafa Kamal, hailed the cabinet's decision as a watershed moment in Pakistan's healthcare history.
"For the very first time, every single medicine in Pakistan will be digitally tracked and verified. This technology establishes an ironclad barrier against fake, smuggled, and substandard drugs." — Health Minister Mustafa Kamal
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) will spearhead the enforcement of this modern enforcement infrastructure across the country.
Empowering Consumers and Pharma Manufacturers
Under the newly amended regulations, it is now strictly mandatory for all pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers to print a standardized 2D data-matrix barcode and unique serialization data on every medicine pack.
This digital transition offers several key advancements:
Public Verification: Everyday consumers can scan the barcode using smartphones to instantly verify the manufacturing source, expiry date, and official retail price.
Supply Chain Security: The system completely replaces outdated manual oversight with real-time digital monitoring, securing the supply chain from factory floor to pharmacy shelves.
Regional Leadership: The deployment of this tech positions Pakistan as a forward-thinking regional leader in adopting pharmaceutical safety technologies.
To ensure a seamless transition for the local industry, DRAP has already concluded consultative sessions with key pharmaceutical stakeholders. The regulatory authority will issue exhaustive technical guidelines shortly to facilitate immediate industrial compliance.