Launch of Go Live Project for 2D Barcode Serialization at PT Phapros Tbk Using the "Medtrack" Application from Bio Farma Holding

Counterfeit medicine has become a trending topic in the global pharmaceutical world. On June 19, 2024, the healthcare community was alarmed by news of counterfeit medicine through a Medical Product Alert report issued by WHO regarding the falsification of Ozempic (containing the active ingredient semaglutide as an anti-diabetes drug) in European and American countries. According to the National Library of Medicine, WHO reports that around 10% of counterfeit or substandard medicines are circulating in developing countries.

As part of PT Phapros Tbk's commitment to ensuring the quality of its products, it is crucial for the company to guarantee the safety, authenticity, and quality of the pharmaceutical products it produces and distributes. In compliance with BPOM regulation No. 22 of 2022 regarding the implementation of “2D Barcode” in Drug and Food Supervision, PT Phapros Tbk has collaborated with the Bio Farma Holding team.

The "Medtrack" application developed by the Bio Farma Holding team was chosen as the best option due to its proven competence and experience in developing the Track & Trace System, which successfully went live in January 2021 for COVID-19 vaccines through the Vaccine Distribution Management System (SMDV).

In celebration of Phapros' 70th anniversary, with the theme "Together We Can" and built on the values of AKHLAK (Amanah, Competent, Loyal, Harmonious, Adaptive, and Collaborative), the Go Live event for the 2D Barcode Serialization Track & Trace System project using the "Medtrack" application developed by the Bio Farma Holding team was held on July 18, 2024. The event was inaugurated with the signing of the Handover Report by the VP of SBU Digital Services Ecosystem & Enterprise IT of PT Bio Farma (Persero), Subhan Novianda, and the Acting President Director, who is also the Production Director of PT Phapros Tbk, Ida Rahmi Kurniasih. The 2D Barcode Serialization Project began with a Kickoff Meeting on November 13, 2023. Despite some challenges during the project's implementation, such as delays in the arrival of camera hardware, through close coordination, cooperation, and smart work from the Bio Farma Holding team and PT Phapros Tbk, the first product, Cardismo XR (extended-release) 60 mg Film-coated Tablets, successfully entered the BPOM Track & Trace, Anti-Counterfeiting (TTAC) website (https://ttac.pom.go.id) on June 26, 2024, officially making it available on the BPOM mobile application.

The "Medtrack" application is highly beneficial for PT Phapros Tbk in fulfilling Track & Trace and Anti-Counterfeiting regulations, as well as strengthening the business process in the pharmaceutical industry. It comes with additional features, including a reminder system for NIE (marketing authorization numbers issued by BPOM) approaching their expiration date, lot and partial release features to support technical production needs, and features that accommodate and support Toll Manufacturing. Many external tollers have already expressed interest in applying the 2D barcode serialization to their products toll-manufactured by PT Phapros Tbk.

For the public, the implementation of 2D barcodes at Phapros is expected to be a step in preventing counterfeit medicines, supporting the government's program through BPOM to ensure that the public can access safe, effective, and high-quality medicines. In conclusion, the implementation of 2D barcodes is anticipated to be a realization of PT Phapros Tbk's vision to become a pharmaceutical company that produces the best health products to improve the quality of life for the community.