Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal announced on Saturday that Pakistan will introduce a barcode system for all medicines within the next 60 days. The initiative aims to eliminate counterfeit and substandard drugs and ensure quality control in the pharmaceutical sector.
Minister's Announcement at PPMA Headquarters
Speaking at an event during his visit to the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) headquarters, the minister stated that all preparations for the nationwide implementation of the system have been completed by the Ministry of Health and relevant institutions. He emphasized that the barcode system would enable complete traceability of medicines, ensure availability of genuine drugs to patients, and help eliminate fake products from the market.
Current Pharmaceutical Landscape
Kamal highlighted that Pakistan currently produces 85 per cent of its required medicines locally. However, nearly 99 per cent of raw materials are imported, mainly from China, which he called a major economic challenge. He stressed the need for local production of pharmaceutical raw materials to reduce import dependence.
Impact on Counterfeit Drugs
The barcode system is expected to significantly curb the proliferation of counterfeit drugs, which have been a persistent problem in Pakistan. According to the minister, the system will allow authorities to track medicines from production to point of sale, ensuring that only genuine products reach patients.
Economic Implications
Reducing reliance on imported raw materials is crucial for Pakistan's pharmaceutical industry. The minister urged stakeholders to invest in local manufacturing of raw materials to strengthen the economy and ensure sustainable drug production. He noted that the barcode system is part of broader reforms to modernize the sector.
