The federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the implementation of a modern track and trace system for medicines across Pakistan, according to the Ministry of National Health Services.
The move is aimed at eliminating counterfeit medicines and strengthening the pharmaceutical supply chain. The ministry described the decision as a historic move that will help curb the circulation of fake medicines and ensure greater transparency in the country's healthcare sector.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said the cabinet had also approved necessary amendments to the Drug Labelling and Packaging Rules, 1978, to facilitate the implementation of the new system.
Under the revised framework, every medicine manufactured or imported into Pakistan will be required to carry a standard 2D barcode along with serialization data. The system will enable digital monitoring and verification of medicines at every stage, from production and import to distribution and final purchase by consumers.
Mustafa Kamal said that for the first time in the country's history, every medicine will be digitally tracked and verified, making it possible to effectively identify and eliminate fake, substandard and counterfeit drugs from the market.
He added that consumers will be able to access authentic information regarding the originality, price and expiry date of medicines through the new digital system.
According to the health minister, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) will oversee the implementation of the track and trace system nationwide. Pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide the necessary digital information on their products in accordance with the new regulations.
Mustafa Kamal said the initiative is part of broader efforts to modernize Pakistan's pharmaceutical sector and ensure stronger protection of public health. He described the track and trace mechanism as a powerful and effective barrier against counterfeit medicines and said it would place Pakistan among the leading countries in the region adopting advanced pharmaceutical technologies.
The minister stated that DRAP would soon issue technical guidelines to assist the pharmaceutical industry in complying with the new requirements. He added that consultations with relevant stakeholders have already been conducted to ensure a smooth implementation process.
He emphasized that the modern digital system would replace traditional surveillance methods and help strengthen public confidence in medicines while ensuring better protection of public health and safety.