ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal has directed pharmaceutical companies to ensure implementation of the 2D barcode system on medicines, warning of strict action against those failing to submit the required data to the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
The minister chaired a meeting to review progress on the implementation of 2D barcoding on medicines following the October 9 deadline. The meeting was attended by the DRAP chief executive officer, officials of relevant institutions and representatives of pharmaceutical industry stakeholders.
The meeting was informed that approximately 80 per cent of pharmaceutical companies had initiated the process of implementing the 2D barcode system.
It was decided that formal notices would be issued to companies that had failed to submit their required data. The authorities would also seal the production units of non-compliant companies after expiry of the stipulated deadline.
Syed Mustafa Kamal said eliminating counterfeit medicines was essential and that the government would adopt a zero-tolerance policy in this regard.
He directed all pharmaceutical companies to submit their serialization data to DRAP to ensure effective monitoring, transparency and implementation of a comprehensive track-and-trace system.
The minister emphasized that the barcode mechanism would strengthen oversight of medicines and help prevent the circulation of counterfeit and substandard drugs in the country.