Indian Government Think Tank Combating Fake Drugs with Blockchain

In fact, according to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, India produces 35 percent of counterfeit drugs that are sold globally. Also, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham), mentions that approximately "60-70 percent of dietary supplements being sold across India are fake, counterfeit, unregistered and unapproved."

As explained the NITI Aayog official, the think tank aims to solve this issue by generating a unique ID number for each medicine, which will be tracked through the supply chain on a blockchain.  With the system, a consumer or business can access the history and source of the drug by scanning a QR code or barcode on the medicine.

The project is also supported by the country's pharmaceutical industry, despite some cost concerns.

Dilip G. Shah, secretary general of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, a lobby group, said: "Fake drugs are a concern and, if blockchain can help the industry get rid of the problem, we are up for it."