To prevent counterfeit and substandard medicines, the government has decided to introduce barcode system for all medicines across Pakistan within next 60 days.
This was announced by Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, calling it a major step. Speaking during a visit to the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) headquarters, the minister said the Ministry of National Health Services and other relevant institutions had completed preparations for the nationwide rollout of the system.
Kamal said the barcode mechanism would enable complete traceability of medicines throughout the supply chain, helping regulators strengthen quality control and improve oversight of the pharmaceutical sector.
He said the initiative would ensure patients receive genuine medicines while enabling authorities to identify and remove counterfeit products from the market more effectively. The minister described the project as part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing public confidence in the country’s healthcare system.
Pakistan produces 85% of its medicines locally
Highlighting the industry’s current landscape, Kamal said Pakistan manufactures around 85 per cent of its medicine requirements domestically. However, he noted that nearly 99 per cent of the pharmaceutical raw materials used by local manufacturers are imported, primarily from China.
Call for local production of pharmaceutical ingredients
Describing the heavy reliance on imported raw materials as a significant economic challenge, the minister stressed the need to develop domestic production of pharmaceutical ingredients to reduce import dependence, strengthen the industry’s resilience, and support long-term economic growth.
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