Blockchain-Based Drug Supply Chain Management: A Secure Approach using Hyperledger Fabric

Counterfeit drug production and distribution pose a significant global threat, particularly in developing countries, with the market value of pharmaceutical counterfeiting reaching billions annually. One of the primary causes is the inefficient and fragmented supply chain, where drugs pass through multiple intermediaries manufacturers, including wholesalers, distributors, and pharmacists, without proper traceability and visibility. The lack of data sharing prevents manufacturers and regulatory authorities from tracking drugs, complicating recalls and limiting patient follow-ups. Blockchain technology, a decentralized and secure system initially introduced through Bitcoin, has since revolutionized various industries, including e-governance, e-commerce, and asset management. Its application in supply chain management presents an innovative strategy to ensure data integrity, transparency, security, and privacy. The proposed system leverages Hyperledger Fabric, a permissioned blockchain, allowing only trusted parties to record and verify transactions. This ensures end-to-end tracking of drugs from manufacturing to patient delivery while maintaining privacy and security. The study also explores blockchain’s broader application in supply chain management, particularly in industries like pharmaceutical drug production, highlighting its potential to offer a less-corruptible and more efficient alternative to traditional systems. Ultimately, permissioned blockchain platforms strike a balance between public blockchain transparency and traditional web security, ensuring a more secure, transparent, and reliable supply chain ecosystem across industries.