In this material, we present archival data from 2023 regarding the mechanisms of drug traceability.
How does the drug tracking system work in Kyrgyzstan?
Taking care of our own health is a natural desire for each of us. When we face illness, we turn to doctors who prescribe us the necessary medications.
In Kyrgyzstan, there are 276 pharmaceutical companies offering more than 6,500 different drugs.
However, how can we be sure of their safety and effectiveness? Should we choose expensive medications or look for more affordable alternatives? The illegal sale of some drugs in markets and online increases the risk of acquiring expired or counterfeit products. Counterfeit medications may contain incorrect dosages or even toxic substances, posing a threat to the health and lives of people.
In March 2023, a new system for tracking medications and medical devices was implemented in the country, which ensures traceability throughout the entire lifecycle of a drug—from its production to the moment it is sold to the patient.
With the help of unique labeling on the drug packaging, quality control is enhanced, and patients can instantly obtain information about prices and the availability of the medication in pharmacies.
How does the drug tracking system function?
Each drug package receives a unique QR code that contains information about the name, manufacturer, date of production, and importer.
This code allows for the tracking of each package: as soon as the drug crosses the border of Kyrgyzstan, the system registers it in the database.
Next, the system records which warehouse the drug has entered, which pharmacy or hospital it is directed to, and when it was handed over to the patient—after which the QR code is deactivated.
The data from the QR code is stored in the database of the Department of Medicines, as well as in the systems of pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and pharmacies, which regularly update the information.
Most countries that have implemented traceability systems use their own coding standards. Each manufacturer is required to comply with the standards of the country to which they supply their products.
However, Kyrgyzstan has chosen a special approach. Instead of creating its own QR code standard, specialists from Turkey adapted the system so that it is now possible to read codes developed for other countries.
This significantly simplifies the import process, as large manufacturers cannot always quickly establish the printing of specialized QR codes for small batches.
The electronic tracking system was developed based on Turkish software, which has been recognized as exemplary by the World Health Organization. Turkey was one of the first countries to successfully implement a traceability system, contributing to the development of medicine and the export of medical services. They provided Kyrgyzstan with the opportunity to adapt their system.
Support for the implementation of the traceability program is provided by the Turkish company TCHealth Information Technologies.
With small imports, pharmaceutical companies can quickly receive codes from the Department of Medicines and print them on regular printers.
How is the traceability system applied in pharmacies and hospitals?
The system ensures transparency in the distribution of a large volume of medications. In hospitals, drugs are recorded upon arrival at the warehouse and when issued to departments. Authorized personnel can track the movement of medications and the status of stocks in real-time.
Traceability helps reduce corruption risks during tenders for the supply of medications. The centralized system provides complete information about the volumes and prices of necessary drugs.
The scheme of operation in pharmacies is similar. To date, major pharmacy chains are already connected to the system.
Distributors scan QR codes and transmit information to pharmacies. Pharmacies accept these medications into their inventory, and upon sale, the QR code is scanned, and the transaction information is instantly sent to the server. This allows for the confirmation of the drug's authenticity, monitoring of expiration dates, and price control.
For certain types of medications, the government imposes restrictions on the maximum price, preventing pharmacies from selling them above the established amount. Otherwise, the system blocks the sale.
By the end of the year, it is planned to connect all pharmacies in the country to the system.
Patients will also be able to independently check the quality and availability of medications using a mobile application. It is enough to scan the QR code, and all necessary information will be displayed on the smartphone screen. In the future, additional features will be available to users, such as instructions for use and possible side effects. The application will be able to compare prices with alternatives and show the nearest pharmacies where the required medications are available, eliminating the need to visit multiple pharmacies.
What are the benefits of implementing the traceability system for Kyrgyzstan?
First of all, it is consumer protection. The system helps prevent the sale of counterfeit medications and control prices.
Secondly, logistics optimization. Transparent information about medication stocks in pharmacies and hospitals simplifies the planning and replenishment process, reducing delivery times and lowering transportation costs.
And finally, it eliminates opportunities for corruption. The system allows for tracking the movement of medications, their costs, and stock levels in warehouses, making it difficult to use gray schemes in tender procurements and create artificial shortages.
The new system is universal and can integrate with other electronic systems. All operations in the pharmaceutical market are tracked through the government Situational Center, providing specialists with access to information in real-time.
Thanks to these innovations, we can confidently guarantee that medications have passed all necessary quality and safety checks and have not been subjected to counterfeiting at all stages of production and delivery.
Through our joint efforts, we can improve the quality of life for every citizen of the Kyrgyz Republic!
