Barcode system approved for medicines to tackle fake drugs

The federal government has approved a barcode system for medicine packaging as part of a nationwide track-and-trace initiative aimed at eliminating counterfeit and substandard drugs from the market. The new system will allow consumers to verify the authenticity of medicines through a barcode printed on each package. People will also be able to access important product information digitally before using a medicine.

Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal said the federal cabinet approved the implementation of the track-and-trace system through amendments to the Drug Labelling and Packing Rules, 1978.

Describing the move as a major step against fake medicines, the minister said consumers would be able to independently verify medicines and confirm whether a product is genuine. He said the barcode system would help authorities identify counterfeit and low-quality medicines while providing verified information about expiry dates, usage instructions, and prices.

Under the new regulations, pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers will be required to print two-dimensional (2D) barcodes and serialization data on medicine packaging. Officials believe the initiative will strengthen Pakistan’s pharmaceutical supply chain and improve transparency across the sector.

Also Read: Mustafa Kamal says Pakistan committed to polio eradication

Mustafa Kamal said the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) will implement the digital system nationwide, replacing conventional monitoring methods with modern technology-based oversight. He added that the track-and-trace mechanism would create a strong barrier against fake medicines, helping protect public health, save lives, and boost consumer confidence.

The minister said the government is working to modernize Pakistan’s healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors and aims to position the country among the regional leaders in adopting advanced regulatory technologies.

DRAP is expected to issue technical guidelines for pharmaceutical companies in the coming weeks to support the implementation of the new barcode system. According to the minister, consultations with relevant stakeholders have already been completed.