QR code system introduced to detect fake medicines in Pakistan

Islamabad (Web Desk): Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal has announced the introduction of a modern barcode and QR code-based system to monitor and verify medicines across Pakistan, enabling citizens to confirm the authenticity of drugs at pharmacies.

During a visit to the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) office, the minister said the government is taking practical steps to eliminate counterfeit medicines and accelerate digital transformation in the health sector.

He said that under the new system, every medicine pack will carry a QR code which can be scanned via mobile phones to access complete product details and verify whether the medicine is genuine or fake. The project is expected to be launched within the next 60 days.

The health minister also announced that the federal cabinet has approved Pakistan’s first comprehensive National Vaccine Policy, terming it a major milestone in improving the public healthcare system.

He noted that Karachi is home to around 80 percent of the country’s pharmaceutical industry and said that Business-to-Business (B2B) conferences will soon be held to further promote the sector.

Highlighting key public health challenges, Mustafa Kamal said contaminated drinking water remains a major cause of disease in Pakistan and requires urgent attention.

He also revealed that around 11,000 women die annually during childbirth, stressing that improved healthcare facilities could significantly reduce maternal mortality.

He further described rapid population growth as a major national challenge, urging serious attention to population planning and control measures.