AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, In a significant move to ensure the provision of quality medicines and combat the proliferation of spurious drugs, the Policy Board of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has mandated the implementation of barcodes on all pharmaceutical and biological drug packaging. This directive, issued during the 51st meeting of the Policy Board in Islamabad, aims to enhance drug safety and align Pakistan with international standards in pharmaceutical supply chain management.
According to Press Information Department, the meeting, chaired by the Federal Secretary of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation, and Coordination, was attended by expert members of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer of DRAP, and Directors of various Divisions of DRAP. The Board’s decision requires all pharmaceutical companies to adopt barcoding on packaging for both local and imported drugs for human use within a month, underscoring a swift and determined approach to addressing the issue of fake medicines.
DRAP has been tasked with closely monitoring the compliance with this new regulation and is authorized to undertake legal actions against non-compliance. This initiative represents a critical step towards securing the pharmaceutical supply chain in Pakistan and ensuring the health and safety of the public by preventing the distribution and sale of falsified products.
The introduction of barcodes on drug packaging is expected to significantly improve traceability, facilitate the authentication of medicines, and contribute to the eradication of counterfeit drugs from the market, thus reinforcing Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding public health.