Islamabad, July 6, 2023 – The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has issued a warning to pharmaceutical companies that are failing to print barcodes on the packaging of their products.
This decision was made by the Policy Board of DRAP in an effort to combat the circulation of spurious and falsified drugs that pose a significant risk to public health.
During the board meeting, chaired by the Secretary of National Health Services, the implementation of barcoding rules was discussed, and a report on its compliance was requested. These rules require pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers to include 2-D barcoding on their product packaging. The introduction of a 2-D barcode matrix helps in the identification and tracking of medicinal products, aiding in the elimination of counterfeit drugs from the market.
In order to enforce compliance, the board decided that all pharmaceutical companies must ensure the printing of barcodes, as per the rules, within the next two weeks. DRAP will promptly issue warning letters to those companies that have not registered their barcode data with DRAP and are failing to print 2-D barcodes on their product packaging.
This proactive measure is crucial in preventing the entry of spurious and counterfeit drugs into the market. By implementing strict barcode printing regulations, DRAP aims to safeguard the health and well-being of citizens, potentially saving numerous lives from the harmful effects of illegal medicines.
Pharmaceutical companies are urged to take immediate action to comply with the barcoding requirements outlined by DRAP. Failure to do so may result in further penalties and legal consequences. DRAP emphasizes the importance of prioritizing public safety and urges all stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry to work together in the fight against counterfeit drugs.
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