GS1 Philippines, the leading organization on local barcode standards, urges adopting streamlined barcode technology to protect consumers from escalating counterfeit medicines and medicine supplies.
International agencies mentioned the Philippines for growing concerns about the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit pharmaceutical products.
The US Trade Representative (USTR) cited the Philippines in its US piracy watchlist for concerns about the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit pharmaceutical products, describing the country as a leading source of counterfeit medicines globally.
Another report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reveals that the country has the highest number of pharmaceutical crime incidents in Southeast Asia, including counterfeiting.
To tackle these issues, GS1 Philippines has been actively using Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs). GTINs standardize labeling and tracking systems, simplify the management of medicines and supplies, and enhance the supply chain. It can capture crucial data, such as the date of manufacture, expiration date, and the manufacturer’s name, boosting product identification and verification.
“The threat of counterfeit medicines compromises both consumer safety and trust in healthcare providers. By leveraging barcode technology, we can establish a cohesive integration of global standards that prioritizes patient safety, particularly in regions facing serious challenges with counterfeit products,” said Roberto “Bobby” Claudio, President of GS1 Philippines.
To promote the standardization of barcode technology across the healthcare supply chain, GS1 Philippines continues to launch initiatives, including seminars and activations. Its initiatives align with the government’s vision of modernizing the delivery and supply chain in the healthcare sector. The Department of Health (DOH) recently emphasized the need following the discovery of over PHP 1 million worth of expired medicines in Albay.
GS1’s global healthcare division, GS1 Healthcare, has been driving the implementation of GS1 Standards since 2008 to improve patient safety and supply chain efficiency.
GS1 Philippines is also devoted to preparing local industries for the global shift to 2D barcodes by 2027. With the adoption of 2D barcodes, which include GS1 DataMatrix, products can carry comprehensive data, ensuring globally recognized identification and traceability in the healthcare sector.
For more information about GS1 Philippines’ implementation of GS1 barcodes, membership, and upcoming conferences, visit https://www.gs1ph.org/ or email membership@gs1ph.org.
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