Blockchain based solution for Pharma Supply Chain Industry

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Computers & Industrial Engineering

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Abstract

Modern pharma supply chain systems are complicated, involving manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers that span across continents. To date, there is a considerable lack of transparency in the movement and sale of pharmaceutical products sold online. Lack of transparency, mistrust in collaboration, and unwillingness to share data can be huge challenges for this global industry. In this paper, we propose a blockchain-based framework for the online sale of pharma products, in a decentralized manner with no intermediaries such as the hospitals or pharmacies. The proposed solution is based on utilizing Ethereum smart contracts, to monitor the interaction between participants, trigger events that are logged to help the participants to keep track and be informed about sale transactions, and ensure payment dispersal securely. In addition, smart contracts regulate the interaction between sellers and consumers by monitoring the status of IoT containers, including pharmaceuticals, and fully notifying consumers. Our smart contracts handle special cases related to consumer refunds in case of breach of contract terms to ensure the safe delivery of medicines.

ISSN

0360-0550

Publisher

Elsevier BV

First Page

108997

Last Page

108997

Disciplines

Computer Sciences

Keywords

Pharma supply chain management, Blockchain, IoT, Ethereum, Smart contracts

Indexed in Scopus

no

Open Access

no

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