Drug Traceability in HealthCare Supply Chain Using Blockchain Technology | IJET – Volume 12 Issue 1 | IJET-V12I1P39

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International Journal of Engineering and Techniques (IJET)

Open Access • Peer Reviewed • High Citation & Impact Factor • ISSN: 2395-1303

Volume 12, Issue 1  |  Published: February 2026

Author:Mohammad Shadab, B Venkateshwarlu, M Riyansh, G Shashank, Mrs C Pavani Reddy, Dr. Bandaru Venkataramana

DOI: https://zenodo.org/records/18667537  â€˘  PDF: Download

Abstract

Rising circulation of falsified and low-quality medicines has become a growing global concern, threatening patient safety and weakening confidence in healthcare systems. Achieving transparency, authenticity, and accountability in the pharmaceutical supply chain remains a persistent challenge for both industry stakeholders and regulatory authorities. Blockchain technology provides an innovative solution through its decentralized and tamper-proof digital ledger that permanently records each transaction across the entire drug lifecycle. This study explores how blockchain can be applied to ensure complete traceability of medicines, securing every stage from manufacturing to distribution and retail dispensing In a blockchain-driven environment, all participants—manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and pharmacies—share a common, permissioned network. Each drug batch carries a unique digital signature, enabling continuous tracking and validation throughout its journey. Automated smart contracts facilitate verification, eliminating unauthorized handling and minimizing human error. When integrated with technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and QR-based identification, blockchain enables Realtime monitoring of product movement and storage conditions, thereby improving operational efficiency and compliance with regulatory frameworks. The proposed model enhances supply chain transparency and allows authorities and consumers to authenticate products instantly. It also minimizes financial losses linked to counterfeit drugs while reinforcing public trust in pharmaceutical brands. This research underscores the potential of blockchain to strengthen healthcare logistics and establish a secure, transparent, and efficient drug distribution ecosystem. In conclusion, blockchain transforms traditional methods of pharmaceutical tracking by ensuring data integrity, reliability, and end-to-end visibility. Its adoption can drastically reduce counterfeit circulation, streamline supply chain operations, and contribute to a safer, more dependable healthcare infrastructure.

Keywords

Blockchain Technology, Pharmaceutical Supply Chain, Drug Traceability, Counterfeit Medicines, Smart Contracts Internet of Things (IoT), Data Integrity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a blockchain-based supply chain system for drug traceability holds significant promise for enhancing the legitimacy, safety, and overall quality of pharmaceuticals distributed in the global market. The inherent features of blockchain technology—such as decentralization, immutability, and transparency—offer a robust foundation for building an effective and dependable mechanism to track and trace medications throughout the entire supply chain, from the point of manufacture to the end consumer. This capability is especially crucial in the fight against counterfeit drugs, which pose serious risks to public health and undermine confidence in healthcare systems.Such a system could ensure that every transaction or movement of a drug product is securely recorded and visible to authorized stakeholders in real-time. By doing so, it would enhance accountability, reduce fraud, and streamline compliance with regulatory standards across different jurisdictions. However, the successful adoption and implementation of blockchain in drug supply chains is not without its challenges. One of the key obstacles is the coordination and cooperation required among diverse stakeholders—including pharmaceutical manufacturers, regulatory authorities, logistics providers, wholesalers, and healthcare facilities. Building trust and consensus among these parties, many of whom may have differing technological capabilities and business priorities, is essential. Furthermore, integrating blockchain with existing legacy systems and ensuring interoperability across different platforms and standards remain significant technical hurdles. Equally important is the development of secure, standardized, and verifiable methods for data entry. Since blockchain can only ensure the integrity of data once it is entered, the quality and accuracy of the initial data inputs are critical.

References

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Cite this article

APA
Mohammad Shadab, B Venkateshwarlu, M Riyansh, G Shashank, Mrs C Pavani Reddy, Dr. Bandaru Venkataramana (February 2026). Drug Traceability in HealthCare Supply Chain using Blockchain Technology. International Journal of Engineering and Techniques (IJET), 12(1). https://zenodo.org/records/18667537
Mohammad Shadab, B Venkateshwarlu, M Riyansh, G Shashank, Mrs C Pavani Reddy, Dr. Bandaru Venkataramana, “Drug Traceability in HealthCare Supply Chain using Blockchain Technology,” International Journal of Engineering and Techniques (IJET), vol. 12, no. 1, February 2026, doi: https://zenodo.org/records/18667537.
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