We present to your attention archival material from 2023 regarding the drug tracking system.
What does the drug tracking system in Kyrgyzstan entail?
When we fall ill, we consult doctors and receive prescriptions for medications that are supposed to help us recover. Caring for our health, we want to be assured of the safety and efficacy of these medications.
In Kyrgyzstan, there are 276 pharmaceutical companies offering over 6,500 different drugs. But we face the question: is it really worth buying an expensive medication, or is it better to find a more affordable alternative? The illegal sale of some medications in markets and online increases the risk of acquiring expired or counterfeit products. Counterfeit drugs can be dangerous as they may contain incorrect dosages or even toxic substances.
In March 2023, a system for tracking drugs and medical devices was launched in the country, allowing for control over the entire process—from production to sale to patients.
Each medication package will have a unique label, which will facilitate quality control and allow patients to quickly find out where and at what price the medication is available.
How does the drug tracking system function?
Each medication package is marked with a unique QR code that provides information about the name, manufacturer, production date, and importer.
This code allows for tracking a specific package: the system registers it from the moment it crosses the border of Kyrgyzstan. The system then logs the arrival of the medication at the pharmaceutical company's warehouse, its shipment to a pharmacy or hospital, and its issuance to the patient—after which the QR code is deactivated.
Data from the QR code is stored in the database of the Department of Medicines, Pharmacies, and Medical Institutions, which is updated regularly.
Unlike many countries, Kyrgyzstan did not develop its own standard for QR codes. Instead, Turkish specialists helped adapt a system that allows reading codes designed for different countries.
This approach simplifies the import of medications, as large manufacturers may not have time to print codes for small batches.
The electronic tracking system was developed by Kyrgyz specialists using technologies recommended by the World Health Organization, and Turkey provided Kyrgyzstan with the opportunity to adapt its system.
To implement the tracking program, Kyrgyzstan is assisted by the Turkish company TCHealth Information Technologies.
By importing small batches of medications, pharmaceutical companies can quickly obtain codes from the Department and print them on standard printers.
How is the drug tracking system applied in hospitals and pharmacies?
The system ensures transparency in the movement of medications in large volumes. In hospitals, medications are registered upon arrival at the warehouse and issuance to departments. Authorized staff track the movement and stock of medications in real-time.
This helps the government minimize losses from corruption during tenders for the supply of medications. The centralized system provides information on the volumes and costs of necessary drugs.
A similar process is carried out in pharmacies, where large chains are already connected to the system.
Distributors scan QR codes and deliver products to pharmacies, which then register them in their system. When medications are sold, QR codes are scanned, and sales information is instantly sent to the server. This allows for verification of the drug's authenticity, monitoring expiration dates, and prices.
Price limits are set for certain groups of medications, and pharmacies are not allowed to sell drugs above the maximum price established by the Department. Otherwise, the system blocks the sale.
By the end of the year, all pharmacies in the country will be connected to the system.
Additionally, patients will be able to independently check the availability and quality of the purchased medication using a mobile application by simply scanning the QR code. In the future, the application will offer expanded features, including usage instructions and information on possible side effects, as well as help compare prices and find nearby pharmacies.
What are the benefits of implementing the drug tracking system for Kyrgyzstan?
Firstly, it provides consumer protection. The system helps prevent the sale of counterfeit medications and control prices.
Secondly, logistics will be optimized. Transparent information about stocks in pharmacies and hospitals will simplify the planning and replenishment process, reducing time and delivery costs.
Finally, the system eliminates the possibility of corruption. Tracking the movement of medications, their costs, and stocks makes it difficult to use gray schemes in tender procurements and create artificial shortages in the pharmaceutical market.
The new system is universal and can be integrated with other electronic systems. All operations in the pharmaceutical market are tracked through the government Situational Center, allowing specialists from the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic to receive information in real-time.
These innovations will ensure confidence in the quality and safety of medications that have undergone all necessary checks and protect them from counterfeiting at all stages—from production to delivery.
By joining forces, we can improve the quality of life for every citizen of the Kyrgyz Republic!
