{
  "id": 14846817,
  "title": "2D barcode system implemented to eradicate fake medicines: Kamal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/2d-barcode-system-implemented-to-eradicate-fake-medicines-kamal",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-16T02:29:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40444491/2d-barcode-system-implemented-to-eradicate-fake-medicines-kamal"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Federal Minister for National Health Services and Regulations, Mustafa Kamal, announced a firm commitment to eradicate counterfeit medicines throughout Pakistan. During a meeting on Thursday, Kamal emphasized that both local and international pharmaceutical manufacturers must now include 2D barcodes and unique serial numbers on their product packaging. This 2D barcode system will also be extended to veterinary and poultry medicines.\n\nKamal highlighted that the government is committed to conducting trials of the 2D barcode system, which aims to eliminate fake medicines. He stated that the import of medicines without a 2D barcode will be prohibited. The Ministry of Health has been working on the implementation of 2D barcodes on medicines for the past eighteen months. Starting from October 9, it has become mandatory to print two 2D barcodes on each medicine manufactured.\n\nThe Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has completed the necessary training for representatives of pharmaceutical companies and other stakeholders. Consumers and pharmacies will be able to verify the authenticity of medicines using a mobile application, which will also provide information on the price and expiry date of the product. The DRAP's chief executive officer briefed the participants on the completion of the training programs for stakeholders involved in the implementation of the 2D barcode system.",
  "summary": "ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Health Services and Regulations, Mustafa Kamal, has said that his ministry is firmly resolved to eradicate fake medicines across the country. Presiding over a meeting here on Thursday regarding 2D barcodes, the minister reiterated that local and multinational pharmaceutical companies are now bound to print 2D barcodes and serial numbers [on packaging], and…",
  "key_points": [
    "Federal Minister Kamal committed to eradicating counterfeit medicines in Pakistan.",
    "2D barcode system with unique serial numbers mandated for all medicines.",
    "Import of unbarcoded medicines prohibited starting October 9."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Mandating 2D barcodes and serial numbers shifts the responsibility of authenticity to manufacturers, providing consumers with digital tools to verify medicine legitimacy and prevent the circulation of counterfeit products.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}