International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 11 Issue: 12 | Dec 2024
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
A Review Paper on A Blockchain Based Approach For Drug Traceability In Healthcare and Supply Chain Snehal Shinde1, Aadinath Chaudhari2, Hanumant Garad3, Prasad Karne4, Pravin Rakte5 1Professor, Dept. of Information Technology, RMD Sinhgad School of Engineering ,Warje ,Pune, Maharashtra, India 2345Student, Dept. of Information Technology, RMD Sinhgad School of Engineering ,Warje ,Pune, Maharashtra,
India ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - Healthcare supply chains are complex, often
A typical drug supply chain begins with API suppliers delivering raw materials for manufacturing approved drugs. These drugs are then packaged into batches by manufacturers or repackagers. Distributors handle the distribution of these batches to pharmacies or secondary distributors based on demand. Pharmacies dispense the drugs to patients based on prescriptions. Third-party logistics providers or distributor-owned fleets typically handle transportation. However, the complex structure of this supply chain makes it easier for counterfeit drugs to infiltrate, as gaps in documentation and monitoring allow for minimal traceability.
leading to issues like limited data provenance, lack of transparency, and the proliferation of counterfeit drugs, which harm public health and the economy. Current centralized track-and-trace systems face challenges with data privacy and authenticity. This work proposes a blockchain-based solution using smart contracts and decentralized off-chain storage to enhance traceability, ensure data security, and eliminate intermediaries. The system’s architecture, algorithms, and performance are analyzed through testing, validation, and a cost-security evaluation, highlighting its effectiveness in combating counterfeits in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Ensuring traceability within the pharmaceutical supply chain is essential for combating counterfeit drugs. Many countries now emphasize and mandate drug traceability systems. For example, the U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act requires the development of interoperable systems to monitor prescription drugs. Similarly, China has implemented regulations requiring stakeholders to log all transactions related to pharmaceutical products in specialized systems. These initiatives aim to verify product authenticity and establish a comprehensive chain of custody for medications.
Key Words: Healthcare supply chain, Counterfeit medications, Blockchain-based solution, Smart contracts, Product traceability, Data privacy.
1.INTRODUCTION The healthcare supply chain comprises a network of independent entities, including raw material suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies, hospitals, and patients. Managing and tracking supplies through this network is challenging due to issues such as limited information sharing, centralized control, and conflicting interests among stakeholders. This complexity often leads to inefficiencies, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, and increases the risk of counterfeit drugs infiltrating the supply chain.
Blockchain technology provides an innovative approach to enhancing traceability in the pharmaceutical supply chain. It allows for secure, tamper-proof data storage and transaction validation through decentralized networks. Blockchain applications are widely used across various fields, including the Internet of Things, e-governance, and document management. By leveraging cryptographic methods and distributed ledgers, blockchain ensures data integrity and minimizes the possibility of record tampering.
Counterfeit drugs are intentionally fabricated or mislabeled products designed to mimic genuine medications. These may lack active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), contain incorrect quantities of API, use low-quality or incorrect APIs, or include contaminants. Some counterfeit drugs are expired products repackaged to appear new or are manufactured under unsafe conditions. They pose significant health risks, particularly in developing countries, where they account for up to 30% of drugs sold. Counterfeit drugs are a major cause of deaths, especially among children, and they also result in significant financial losses, with the U.S. pharmaceutical industry alone incurring approximately $200 billion in annual losses.
© 2024, IRJET
|
Impact Factor value: 8.315
|
ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal
|
Page 110