ISLAMABAD: The federal government has approved the nationwide implementation of a track and trace system for medicines, a move aimed at improving drug verification and strengthening efforts to eliminate counterfeit and substandard pharmaceutical products in Pakistan.

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How the new system will work DRAP to oversee implementation

The approval was granted by the federal cabinet following a proposal from the Ministry of National Health Services. The decision also includes amendments to the Drug Labelling and Packing Rules, 1978, to facilitate the introduction of the new system.

According to Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, the initiative will allow medicines to be digitally tracked and verified throughout the supply chain. He said the system is designed to help identify counterfeit, fake, and substandard medicines more effectively.

How the new system will work

Under the new regulations, all pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers will be required to print standardized two-dimensional barcodes and serialization data on medicine packaging.

The system will enable consumers to verify important information about medicines, including expiry dates and pricing, through digital tracking tools.

DRAP to oversee implementation

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan will be responsible for implementing the track and trace system across the country.

Officials say the move is intended to modernize Pakistan’s pharmaceutical supply chain, improve transparency, and enhance patient safety. The system is also expected to replace traditional monitoring methods with digital oversight mechanisms.

The health minister said technical guidelines for pharmaceutical companies and importers will be issued in the coming weeks. Consultations with industry stakeholders have already been held to support a smooth rollout of the new requirements.

Authorities believe the initiative will strengthen regulatory oversight and help build greater public confidence in the safety and authenticity of medicines available in the market.