Frequently Asked Questions

Mehfooz Dawa (“safe medicine”) is DRAP's official app and initiative for verifying serialised medicine packs in Pakistan. It scans the 2D code on the carton and checks the pack's unique serial against DRAP's track and trace records. Full guide: Mehfooz Dawa.

Open the app, allow the camera, scan the square 2D code on the carton and compare the product name, batch and expiry shown with the pack. Step by step: Mehfooz Dawa check.

Yes. Mehfooz Dawa is free and published by DRAP. Never pay anyone to verify a medicine; see DRAP helpline 0800-03727 if someone asks for money.

From the official Google Play or Apple App Store only; check that the publisher is DRAP. Without the app, use drugtrace.dra.gov.pk in any browser.

The product may not be serialised yet, the serial may be mistyped, or the code may be fake. Re-scan, then check the batch with our batch number check.

Only on packs with a 2D DataMatrix code. For other packs use the batch alert check and the pack checklist.

They are two ways into the same DRAP verification: the app on your phone and the website in a browser. Compare all options on original medicine check apps.

Briefly, if a genuine code was copied. That's why you must compare the details with the carton. Learn more on the drug track and trace portal page.

No. DrugTrace.pk is an independent drug trace website, not affiliated with DRAP. We explain Mehfooz Dawa and add free checks like DRAP drug alerts.

Mehfooz Dawa DRAP ki official muft app hai jo dawai ke dabbe ka 2D code scan kar ke batati hai ke pack asli record mein hai ya nahi. Roman Urdu guide: dawa check.

No website can. We help you find known problems (official alerts, mismatched codes, wrong appearance). Only DRAP's track-and-trace portal can verify an individual pack's serial number, and only a laboratory can confirm what is inside.

It means no matching alert was found in our dataset. That is reassuring but not proof. Inspect the pack too, and ask a pharmacist if anything seems off.

Stop using it, keep the pack and receipt, and return it to the pharmacy or report it to DRAP on 0800-03727. Check that the product name also matches; batch numbers can repeat across companies.

openFDA is the largest free, public-domain source of official product descriptions and recalls. Many medicines sold in Pakistan share the same molecules and manufacturers, but local packs can legitimately differ.

A regular barcode (EAN-13) identifies a product line. A 2D DataMatrix can contain a unique serial number for your specific pack, plus batch and expiry.

Yes, a genuine code can be copied onto fake packs. That's why the official system, which knows whether a serial has already been dispensed, is the final check. See also: Report a fake medicine.

We record only anonymous operational events (check type and outcome) and never store batch numbers, codes or personal details. Code decoding runs entirely in your browser.

Official DRAP recall and rapid-alert notices, and openFDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration). Every result shows its source. See our editorial policy for details.

There is no single official national figure, but the WHO estimates about 1 in 10 medical products in low- and middle-income countries is substandard or falsified, and DRAP publishes rapid alerts on spurious batches throughout the year.

2026 alerts included Influvac Tetra (P13), Vaxigrip Tetra (Y4B34), Augmentin 625 (YT9D), Velosef 500 (LX3E), Brexin (W68C), Nasomet (FW-099), Enhertu (DK1262) and Cefixime 400 (LLM034). The full searchable list is on our alerts page. See also: Report a fake medicine.

DRAP's toll-free number is 0800-03727 (Monday–Friday, 08:00–16:00). Complaints can also be filed at dra.gov.pk/complaints.

Spurious means the product falsely claims to be a medicine it is not, often containing none of the declared active ingredient. It is equivalent to the WHO term 'falsified'.

DRAP's track-and-trace (Mehfooz Dawa) system lets you scan the 2D code on serialised packs at drugtrace.dra.gov.pk. DrugTrace.pk adds batch-alert, originality and code-consistency checks.

They can be if bought from a licensed pharmacy that requires prescriptions and issues receipts. Social-media sellers and heavy discounts are high-risk.

Yes. All checks, tools and guides are free and require no account. See also: Report a fake medicine.

No. DrugTrace.pk is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by DRAP or the Government of Pakistan. We link to official DRAP systems for official verification.

Yes. The site is designed for phones, including camera scanning of 2D codes and barcodes.