Securing drug distribution from manufacturer to patient: a blockchain-based model for counterfeit drugs detection, tracking and dispensing accuracy

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Journal of Supercomputing

Publication Date

3-1-2026

Abstract

Counterfeit medicines and errors in prescription-based deliveries that pose risks are a significant threat to public health and patient safety, and the development of robust traceability systems is needed to combat this problem. Sustainable information systems offer a new way to address the challenges of tracking counterfeit drugs while reducing environmental impact. To address these issues comprehensively, we present a novel framework leveraging blockchain technology, smart contracts, and QR code-based traceability. Our proposed solution revolves around a meticulously designed Ethereum-based integration of sustainable information systems and a distributed application framework, which oversees the entire pharmaceutical supply chain, from initial production to end-user consumption. Every medication has a specific QR code. Code serves as an essential conduit for the transfer of ownership and enables the real-time tracking of drug distribution. Essential pharmaceutical information is easily accessible by allowing users to scan QR codes. Pharmacies use technology integration to generate QR codes that verify information, improving accuracy even further, thereby reducing the possibility of human error occurring when dispensing. The application of blockchain technology provides several levels of defense against hacking and system failures built into this framework. It ensures data transparency and builds confidence among all parties involved. The blockchain’s decentralized structure, combined with its qualities that prevent tampering, ensures the appropriate transparency. This architecture is dedicated to robust traceability, effectively identifying and eliminating counterfeit drugs while reducing dispensing mistakes. Reliable traceability, efficient monitoring, and the benefits that come with using blockchain technology are all combined in our suggested framework. A dedication to patient safety and supply chain integrity is shown by this information system improving the precision of drug dispensing and getting rid of counterfeit medications. This study presents a blockchain-enabled pharmaceutical supply chain framework that leverages distributed and parallel processing for real-time IoT data verification, cryptographic transaction validation, and smart contract execution. High-performance computing resources are required to ensure low latency, scalability across multiple pharmacies, and continuous real-world monitoring.

ISSN

0920-8542

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Volume

82

Issue

4

Disciplines

Computer Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences

Keywords

Blockchain, Counterfeit Drug Detection, Pharmaceutical Supply Chain, QR Code-based Traceability, Smart Contracts, Sustainable Information Systems

Scopus ID

105030573385

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

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