Blockchain To Be Used For Drug Supply Chain By The FDA

According to reports, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, in the United States is turning to blockchain to create an efficient and reliable drug supply chain. They have already introduced pilot programmes which is aimed at creating an interoperable and e-system that will keep a track of specific medication drugs through their entire supply chain. The agency is reportedly resorting to the technology of blockchain in order to create a solid electronic system that can be used as a track-and-trace system. This whole development is part of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act and is to be set in motion latest by 2023.

The system will be allowing the FDA to view and take into account details like where the particular prescription medication has been sold, or who has handled the stocking and selling of the drug. They will also be allowed to look into the verification process of the drug. Additionally, the system will also make it possible for the FDA to ensure that anyone who is in charge of handling the drug is able to spot a suspicious medication and report it as soon as possible.

This programme will be helping with the reduction in the number of illegal drugs which are plying through the market, which in turn is leading to mass abuse of prescription medication. The program will be run by Mr. Frank Yiannas, who was a Vice-President of Food Safety at Walmart. The companies who wish to participate in the new program will have until March to declare their interest

The FDA is not really new to the technology of blockchain and its use. Previously, the agency has used the technology for handling oncology data in a more efficient way.

Rishma Banerjee

Rishma is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and has a special place in her life for sifting through all sorts of random trivia, thank you very much.