Over 86,000 medicines integrated into track and trace system: Mustafa Kamal
Pakistan's Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal announced over 86,000 medicines are now part of a digital track and trace system, allowing consumers to verify authenticity via mobile phones.
Intelligence analysis by Gemini 2.5 Flash Lite
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has achieved full transparency and digitalization, with a track and trace system now covering over 86,000 medicines. This allows consumers to verify drug authenticity and pricing using their mobile phones, streamlining a process that previously took years into just 21 days.
Imagine a special barcode on medicine boxes. Pakistan is putting these barcodes on over 86,000 medicines. When you scan it with your phone, it tells you if the medicine is real and how much it should cost, like checking a toy's authenticity before buying.
Analysis
Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP)
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has undergone a significant transformation, moving towards full transparency and digitalization. Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal highlighted that the shift to a digital system for certification procedures, implemented eight months prior, has already processed over 5,000 cases. This digital overhaul has been recognized by the Prime Minister, who awarded DRAP for its outstanding performance in this area. The minister emphasized his commitment to performing responsibilities with sincerity, noting the resulting satisfaction within the pharmaceutical industry.
Track and Trace System
A key achievement highlighted is the integration of over 86,000 medicines into a Track and Trace System. This system empowers consumers by allowing them to easily scan medicines with their mobile phones to verify authenticity and obtain pricing information. Pharmaceutical companies can also register their products online, a process that has been dramatically expedited. What once took years to complete is now reportedly achievable within a mere 21 days. This initiative aims to combat counterfeit drugs and enhance consumer confidence in the pharmaceutical market.
Medicine Pricing and Industry Concerns
Beyond digitalization, the issue of medicine pricing remains a significant concern. The pharmaceutical industry is seeking price increases, a matter currently under consideration by the federal cabinet. Minister Kamal suggested a shift away from direct government price regulation, proposing that medicine prices, similar to other products, should be determined by the open market. This sentiment was echoed by Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) President Sheikh Umer Rehan, who also pointed out Pakistan's high cost of production and the added burden of increased interest rates on industries. He urged federal ministers to visit Karachi monthly to address stakeholder concerns, emphasizing the vital role of the pharmaceutical sector, which saw exports reach $457 million in FY2024-25, a 34 percent increase.
Key points
- Over 86,000 medicines are now registered in Pakistan's digital Track and Trace System.
- Consumers can verify medicine authenticity and pricing via mobile phone scanning.
- DRAP's digitalization efforts have significantly reduced processing times for certifications.
- The Federal Health Minister suggested market-driven pricing for medicines.
- Pharmaceutical exports saw a 34% increase in FY2024-25.
The successful implementation of the track and trace system could significantly reduce the prevalence of counterfeit medicines, thereby improving public health and safety. Streamlined digital processes for pharmaceutical companies may also lead to faster market access for new drugs and increased overall efficiency in the sector.
Despite digitalization efforts, challenges in medicine pricing and the high cost of production for pharmaceutical companies could hinder growth and potentially lead to price hikes that impact affordability for consumers. Ensuring consistent enforcement and widespread adoption of the track and trace system across all pharmaceutical products remains a critical hurdle.
