Cabinet approves nationwide track-and-trace system for medicines

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal has announced that the federal cabinet has approved the implementation of a nationwide track-and-trace system for medicines, describing it as a major step towards eliminating counterfeit, substandard and fake medicines from the country.

According to the ministry, the cabinet has also approved the necessary amendments to the Drug Labelling and Packing Rules, 1978, enabling the introduction of a 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 standardised 2D barcodes and serialisation 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.

The minister said the decision represented a significant 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 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 said that once implemented, consumers would be able to access authentic information regarding a medicine’s expiry date, price and verification status, enabling 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 and Trace System. DRAP will also issue detailed technical guidelines to facilitate compliance by the pharmaceutical industry. Consultative meetings with relevant stakeholders have already been held to ensure a smooth transition.

Mustafa Kamal said the initiative would strengthen the security and quality of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical supply chain by replacing conventional monitoring mechanisms with a digital framework.

He added that the adoption of advanced technology would position Pakistan among the leading countries in the region in pharmaceutical regulation and oversight.

“The Track and Trace System will establish a strong and effective barrier against counterfeit medicines and ensure the protection of public health, lives and trust,” the minister said.