Mustafa Kamal Champions Digital Traceability to Combat Counterfeit Medicines
Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal has reaffirmed his commitment to modernizing Pakistan’s pharmaceutical oversight by accelerating the rollout of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan’s (DRAP) 2D barcode traceability system. This initiative aims to eliminate counterfeit drugs and ensure the authenticity of medicines throughout the supply chain.
Enhancing Public Trust Through Technology
During a high-level review session, Minister Kamal highlighted the transformative potential of the 2D barcode system in:
- Authenticating medicines at point-of-sale
- Streamlining regulatory inspections
- Boosting public confidence in pharmaceutical products
“To make this system effective, we must modernize inspection protocols and educate stakeholders from pharmacies to manufacturers on its usage,” Kamal stated.
Integration with Broader Health Reforms
The Minister emphasized that the barcode system should be part of a larger digital health ecosystem. He proposed linking it with CNIC-based medical records and unified tracking platforms to create a seamless healthcare experience.
Empowering Patients Through Mobile Verification
Kamal called for robust user awareness campaigns to educate the public on verifying medicine authenticity via mobile scanning apps. He urged health authorities to launch training programs and outreach initiatives to ensure widespread adoption.
“Technology must serve public safety, supply chain integrity, and operational transparency,” he said.
A Cornerstone of Regulatory Modernization
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to position the 2D barcode system as a foundational element of Pakistan’s digital healthcare transformation. Officials pledged to address technical gaps, improve user experience, and ensure nationwide accessibility.
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