This document presents an archival review from 2023 dedicated to the medication tracking system.
Kyrgyzstan has demonstrated significant achievements in the field of healthcare and pharmaceuticals by implementing an innovative system for tracking medications. The uniqueness of this approach lies in its simplicity and flexibility. In this article, the Department of Medicines and Medical Devices of the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic shares the advantages and results of the successful implementation of the system in the country.
Achievements and Future Plans
Since the launch of the system on March 4, 2023, a total of 758,272 packages (from 166 drug names) have been put into circulation, while 102,666 packages have been removed from circulation (sold).
The system ensures tracking of medications at all stages—from entry to exit from circulation, covering both pharmacies and medical institutions. To date, the system includes 822 participants (pharmacies, warehouses, medical organizations).
A clear picture of the movement of medications and their availability in pharmacies, medical organizations, and warehouses has been created.
Manufacturers have a positive assessment of the system, noting its simplicity. It allows the use of codes from any manufacturers, which enables the application of existing equipment and labeling processes.
A mobile application has been developed for citizens, allowing them to check each package tracked in the system.
Every day, the system registers between 1,500 and 3,000 new packages, indicating a stable operational mode for the selected medications. See the data filling schedule (number of packages tracked in the system).
As of July 1, 2023, the second phase of implementing traceability for medications from the list of the High Technology Fund has begun.
Plans include launching traceability for medications from the list of essential medicines starting November 1, 2023 (the third phase). This will significantly increase both the number of system users (to approximately 3,000) and the number of tracked medications (to 1,800 names). Manufacturers will also begin to connect to the system. The implementation of the third phase and market stabilization will take about six months. Starting March 1, 2024, all remaining medications on the market will begin to be tracked, leading to an increase in the number of medications in the system.
Advantages of the System in Kyrgyzstan
The traceability system in Kyrgyzstan is characterized by simplicity and flexibility compared to similar systems in other countries. The requirements for market participants are minimal. Thanks to simplifications such as support for any labeling code standards, the absence of an electronic digital signature, and the ability to obtain ready-made stickers, the system was launched in the shortest possible time.
One significant advantage is that all pharmaceutical market regulation processes are integrated into a single system (the traceability system is one of the modules of the Electronic Database of Medicines and Medical Devices), which facilitates integration and improves control.
It is also worth noting that the system is controlled at the national level.
Only open technologies are used, which significantly enhances both the security and accessibility of the system for developers in Kyrgyzstan.
Moreover, the use of the system for market participants is free of charge.
Conclusion
The successful implementation of the medication traceability system in Kyrgyzstan has become an important step towards the development of the pharmaceutical industry and the improvement of healthcare quality. The simplicity and flexibility of the system, along with active efforts to engage market participants and the population, have led to significant results. The prospects for further development of the system promise even more advantages for all healthcare participants in Kyrgyzstan.
