For Pharmacists: Screening Incoming Stock for Fake Medicines
A practical receiving-desk routine for pharmacies and hospitals in Pakistan: supplier checks, batch screening, serialisation and quarantine.
6 min readUpdated
Table of contents8 sections
Quick answer
Pharmacies should buy only from licensed distributors, check every incoming batch against DRAP rapid alerts, compare packaging with known genuine stock, decode 2D codes for consistency, quarantine anything suspicious and report it to DRAP. Keep invoices so every batch is traceable to its supplier.
Key takeaways
- Supplier verification prevents most fakes entering stock.
- Screen high-risk categories (injectables, antibiotics, oncology) every delivery.
- Quarantine, don't return to the supplier, when you suspect a fake: it's evidence.
The receiving routine
- 1
Verify the supplier
Licensed distributor, invoice with licence number, no unusual discounts.
- 2
Screen batches
Check each batch on the alerts page or batch checker.
- 3
Inspect samples
Compare packaging and dosage units with retained genuine stock; use the pack checklist.
- 4
Decode serialised packs
Confirm 2D code data matches print with the code decoder.
- 5
Record
Log supplier, batch and expiry for traceability.
Prioritise high-risk lines
| Category | Screening frequency |
|---|---|
| Injectables, vaccines, biologics | Every delivery |
| Oncology, transplant | Every delivery + invoice check |
| Antibiotics | Every delivery |
| Fast-moving OTC | Spot checks |
| Imported supplements | Every new supplier |
Records that protect your pharmacy
Keep supplier invoices, licence copies and a receiving log of batches. If a batch you stocked is later named in an alert, records let you trace and recall it quickly, and show inspectors you acted in good faith.
If you suspect a fake
- Remove from sale and label 'quarantine'.
- Keep invoices and delivery notes.
- Inform DRAP (0800-03727) and the provincial drug inspector.
- Notify the manufacturer's local office.
Common questions
How should pharmacists screen incoming stock?
Scan 2D codes with Mehfooz Dawa, match batches to DRAP alerts and quarantine anything suspect.
What licence does a pharmacy need?
A provincial drug sale licence. See pharmacy licence check.
What do I do with a recalled batch?
Quarantine and return it. Read medicine recalls in Pakistan.
Sources & references
This guide is general information, not medical advice. DrugTrace.pk is independent and not affiliated with DRAP.
Topic hub
Labels, Storage & Safe Buying
Read labels, store medicines correctly and buy from the right place.
- How to read a medicine label ★
- Batch number & expiry
- DRAP registration number check
- Medicine storage temperature
- Storing medicines at home
- Is expired medicine safe?
- Expiry date calculator
- Pharmacy licence check
- Buy medicine online safely
- Pharmacist stock screening (this page)
- Medicine safety tips
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