Scan, read, act

Mehfooz Dawa check: how to scan a medicine and understand the result

Scanning takes seconds. Reading the result correctly is what protects you. This page walks through a Mehfooz Dawa check from start to finish, including the results that mean stop, and the fixes when a scan won't work.

Also check the batch See the steps ↓

Mother and daughter scanning a medicine pack with a phone at home

60 secondsScan + compare

Table of contents9 sections

Quick answer

To do a Mehfooz Dawa check, open DRAP's Mehfooz Dawa app (or drugtrace.dra.gov.pk), scan the square 2D code on the medicine carton, then compare the product name, strength, batch and expiry shown with what's printed on the pack. Everything matching is a good sign. A mismatch, “not found” on a serialised pack, or an “already dispensed” warning means don't use it and report it to DRAP on 0800-03727.

Details to compare: 4
Best scanning distance: 10–15 cm
Serial for manual entry: SN
Report failures: 0800-03727

Before you scan

Find the right code on the pack

Cartons can carry several codes. Mehfooz Dawa needs the 2D DataMatrix, a small square of dots, usually printed with GTIN, SN, batch and expiry beside it. Our GTIN guide explains each field.

2D DataMatrix (scan this)

Small square, L-shaped solid border, dot pattern. Usually on a side panel or end flap.

1D barcode (not this)

Vertical lines. Identifies only the product type, the same on every pack.

Marketing QR (not this)

Three big corner squares, opens a website. Not used for official verification.

Printed SN

The serial printed beside the code. Type it manually if the scan fails.

Batch & expiry

B.No and Exp printed nearby. You'll compare these with the result.

No 2D code?

The product may not be serialised yet. Use the batch alert check instead.

Step by step

Mehfooz Dawa check, step by step

1
Open the scanner
Launch Mehfooz Dawa (published by DRAP) or open drugtrace.dra.gov.pk and choose scan.
2
Scan the 2D code
Good light, phone 10–15 cm away, code flat and filling about a third of the frame. Hold still for a second.
3
Compare four details
Product name & strength, batch, expiry and pack size must match the carton exactly.
4
Finish the check
Run the batch through our alert check and do a quick pack inspection.

Phone showing a scan result for a medicine pack

What each Mehfooz Dawa result means

Exact wording may change as DRAP updates the app, but results fall into these groups. Always read the details, not just the colour.

Verified, details match the carton: the pack is recognised. Good sign; still inspect the pack.
Verified, but different product, batch or expiry: the code was copied from another pack. Treat as counterfeit.
Not found / invalid: fake code, a typo, or a product not yet in the system. Recheck, then ask the pharmacist.
Already dispensed / scanned elsewhere: possible duplicate of a genuine code. Don't use until resolved.
Expired or recalled: don't use; return to the pharmacy. See medicine recalls.

Macro view of a DataMatrix code on a carton

Mehfooz Dawa not scanning? Fixes that work

Most scan failures are about light, distance or the wrong code. Try these in order before assuming the pack is fake:

Move to bright, even light; avoid glare on glossy cartons.
Hold the phone 10–15 cm away and tap to focus.
Flatten curved packs; scan at a slight angle if shiny.
Make sure you're scanning the square DataMatrix, not the barcode.
Type the printed SN manually, watching for O/0, I/1, S/5, B/8.
Still failing? Decode it with our 2D code decoder to see what it contains.

Man calling a helpline while holding a medicine carton

If your Mehfooz Dawa check fails

Stop using the medicine and keep everything: carton, strips, leaflet and receipt. Take a screenshot of the result. If anyone has already taken it and feels unwell, see a doctor; our guide on what to do if you took fake medicine explains what to watch for.

Then report it: call DRAP on 0800-03727 or use the online complaint form, and tell the pharmacy. Our DRAP helpline page lists exactly what to say.

Mehfooz Dawa result → what to do

Quick reference you can screenshot.

Result	Risk	Action
Verified + details match	Low	Inspect pack, then use as prescribed
Verified + details differ	High	Stop; report
Not found (serialised pack)	High	Recheck, ask pharmacist, report
Already dispensed	High	Don't use; report
No 2D code on pack	Unknown	Batch check + checklist

Important

Do the check before leaving the pharmacy

It's far easier to swap a pack at the counter than to come back later. Scan, compare, and if anything is off, ask the pharmacist for a different pack straight away.

Frequently asked questions

Direct answers about Mehfooz Dawa check.

How do I check a medicine on Mehfooz Dawa?

Open the app, scan the 2D code on the carton and compare the product, batch and expiry shown with the pack.

Why does Mehfooz Dawa say 'not found'?

The product may not be serialised yet, the serial may be mistyped, or the code may be fake. Recheck and ask the pharmacist.

Can I check without the app?

Yes. Use drugtrace.dra.gov.pk in your browser, or enter the serial manually.

What does 'already dispensed' mean?

The same serial has been recorded as sold or scanned before, which can mean a copied code. Don't use the pack until resolved. See also: Mehfooz Dawa app.

Is a successful scan proof the medicine is genuine?

It's strong evidence when all details match, but also inspect the pack and check the batch against alerts.

Sources & references

Updated 11 November 2026. DrugTrace.pk is independent and not affiliated with DRAP.

Topic hub

Mehfooz Dawa & Track and Trace

DRAP's official serial verification: Mehfooz Dawa, the portal and 2D codes.

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More verification resources

Drug Track and Trace Portal →drugtrace.dra.gov.pk →Check Batch Number Online →Medicine QR Code Scanner →Original Medicine Check App →DRAP Helpline Number →GTIN Number Check →Medicine Recall Pakistan →Pharmacy License Check →Counterfeit Drugs in Pakistan →Medicine Storage Temperature →Drug Testing Laboratory Pakistan →How to Read a Medicine Label →Report Side Effects →Smuggled Medicines Pakistan →Mehfooz Dawa →Dawa Check →