2D barcode system implemented to eradicate fake medicines: Kamal

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Health Services and Regulations, Mustafa Kamal, has said that his ministry is firmly resolved to eradicate fake medicines across the country.

Presiding over a meeting here on Thursday regarding 2D barcodes, the minister reiterated that local and multinational pharmaceutical companies are now bound to print 2D barcodes and serial numbers [on packaging], and the 2D barcode system will also be implemented on veterinary and poultry medicines.

The minister said that the government is firm in implementing the 2D barcode trials which are aimed at the elimination of counterfeit medicines. The Minister stated that imported medicines also cannot be sold anywhere in the country without a “2D barcode.”

The Ministry of Health has been working on the implementation of 2D barcodes on medicines for the past year and a half. It is mandatory to apply two 2D barcodes on every medicine manufactured after October 9.

Mustafa Kamal said that the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has completed the relevant training for representatives of pharmaceutical companies and other stakeholders. Pharmacies, medical stores, and general citizens will be able to verify whether a medicine is genuine or fake through a mobile application, and will also be able to check its price and expiry date.

Briefing the participants, the DRAP’s chief executive officer said that the regulator has completed the relevant training for representatives of pharmaceutical companies and other stakeholders.

The meeting was informed that common citizens will be able to verify whether a medicine is genuine or fake through a mobile app and the consumers will be able to check the price and expiry date of the medicine through the mobile app.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026