China: Electronic System to Monitor Drug Production and Circulation

By 2015, China will keep track of all drugs using an electronic monitoring system, say authorities. The system, launched in 2006, applies to 56,000 types of drugs till the end of February. Another 119,000 types will be covered by the end of 2015, according to a five-year drug supervision plan published by the State Food and Drug Administration.

Drugs that are part of the country's basic medicine system are already covered by the electronic monitoring network, reported Xinhua.

The system is used to monitor the entire drug production and circulation process, allowing for the timely and effective control of drugs in the event of safety risks, said authorities.

The system will also help prevent counterfeit drugs from entering the market.

Source-IANS