ISLAMABAD, October 30, 2026 — Pakistan is preparing to introduce a digital system that will allow consumers to check whether medicines are genuine or counterfeit by scanning a barcode, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has announced.
According to ARY News, the minister shared the details while addressing a session of the National Assembly. He said the government was committed to eliminating counterfeit medicines from the country and had granted extensive powers to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
Kamal said authorities had a database containing information on 75,000 medicines and that a system to identify counterfeit drugs would begin operating next month.
Under the proposed system, consumers will be able to scan the barcode printed on a medicine’s label or bottle using a mobile application. A red warning indicator will appear if a medicine is identified as counterfeit.
The minister advised people purchasing medicines toward the end of November to carry their mobile phones so they could use the barcode verification facility once it becomes operational.
Pakistan Faces Future Vaccine Funding Challenges
During his address, Kamal said foreign assistance accounted for only three per cent of Pakistan’s health budget, with vaccines currently receiving the largest share of external support.
He warned that Pakistan would need to finance its vaccine requirements entirely on its own by 2030, estimating the cost at $1.2 billion. He said preparations for this transition needed to begin immediately.
The minister also discussed flu vaccine availability, explaining that two of four brands had sought permission to increase prices. After the government declined the request, those companies did not import their vaccines. However, he maintained that Pakistan was not facing a shortage of flu vaccines.
182-Bed Hospital Begins Operations
Kamal further said a hospital built by China at a cost of Rs980 million had previously remained unused, leaving its equipment at risk of deterioration. The facility has now been converted into a government hospital, with Indus Hospital qualifying to operate it.
According to the minister, the 182-bed hospital has begun operations and is expected to remain functional.