ISLAMABAD, Oct 17 (APP):Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has announced mandatory 2D barcodes on medicines manufactured after October 9 to help citizens verify drug authenticity, prices and expiry dates through a mobile application and curb the circulation of counterfeit medicines.
The initiative was reviewed at a meeting chaired by the health minister, attended by the Chief Executive Officer of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Information Technology Board (NITB).
During the meeting, the minister received a detailed briefing on the trial of the 2D barcode and serialization system aimed at strengthening medicine traceability and preventing the circulation of counterfeit products.
Syed Mustafa Kamal said the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination was committed to eliminating fake medicines from the country and ensuring the availability of safe and authentic pharmaceutical products.
He said the mobile application would enable citizens to verify a medicine’s authenticity, price and expiry date, helping them make informed decisions and identify potentially counterfeit or expired products.
The minister added that the system would also be extended to imported, veterinary and poultry medicines as part of broader efforts to strengthen drug regulation and safeguard public health.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
