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15.06.2012 | Turkey’s Track-and-Trace System May Offer Example for U.S., EU


As developed countries like the U.S. and EU look to combat counterfeit medicines, they may want to consider Turkey's track-and-trace system, which in a little more than two years has helped pull more than 140 million illicit drug packages from the country's market.

Implemented in January 2010, the Turkish system requires a two-dimensional data matrix code on all finished drug packages. Each product is then tracked from the point of manufacture until it reaches the patient using a global trade item number, a serialization number and a global location number, Taha Yayci, a Turkish technology expert, told a May 22 U.S. Pharmacopoeia workshop.

Besides snagging fake drugs, the system facilitates recalls, which can be initiated immediately on word of adverse events or unexpected side effects because all participants in the supply chain are on board, Yayci said.

Turkey also has a web-based program that allows patients to scan a drug package's data matrix to ensure its validity.

Phase two of the track-and-trace system, slated for later this year, will include raw materials, medical devices and cosmetics.

In 2013, Turkey plans to add an electronic prescription system and electronic report system to collect patient information. Turkish pharmacists currently have the option of collecting patient data, but most don't do so, Yayci said. — June 2012

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