ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Health has announced its commitment to eradicating counterfeit medicines across the nation through the implementation of 2D Barcodes, as stated by Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal. The announcement came during a meeting in Islamabad where the progress of ‘2D Barcode’ trials was reviewed.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Ministry has been working on the implementation of 2D Barcodes on medicines for the last eighteen months, making it mandatory for all pharmaceuticals. Both local and multinational pharmaceutical companies will be required to include these barcodes and serial numbers on their products. Furthermore, imported medicines will not be allowed for sale in the country without the requisite ‘2D Barcode’.
The meeting also featured a briefing from the CEO of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), who updated attendees on the progress of implementing the 2D Barcode system and serialization. It was reported that DRAP has completed relevant training for representatives of pharmaceutical companies and other involved parties to facilitate this initiative.