Pakistan Ministry of Health to implement 2D barcodes to combat counterfeit drugs

Pakistan's Federal Minister for Health, Mustafa Kamal, has announced a nationwide initiative to eliminate counterfeit and substandard medicines through the mandatory implementation of 2D barcodes and serialization.

Under the new regulations, all medicines manufactured after October 9 must feature a 2D barcode and serial number. This requirement applies to both local and multinational pharmaceutical companies, as well as imported medicines. The system will also be extended to veterinary and poultry medicines.

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has completed technical training for pharmaceutical company representatives and relevant stakeholders. To empower consumers, a mobile application will be launched, allowing citizens to verify the authenticity of a medicine, its prescribed price, and its expiration date within minutes.