Securing Drug Distribution Systems from Tampering Using Blockchain

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to overcome coordination flaws and enhance end-to-end security in the drug distribution market (DDM). One of the major issues in drug market coordination management is the absence of a centralized monitoring system to provide adequate market control and offer real-time prices, availability, and authentication data. Further, tampering is another serious issue affecting the DDM, and as a consequence, there is a significant global market for counterfeit drugs. This vast counterfeit drug business presents a security risk to the distribution system. This study presents a blockchain-based solution to challenges such as coordination failure, secure drug delivery, and pharmaceutical authenticity. To optimize the drug distribution process (DDP), a framework for drug distribution is presented. The proposed framework is evaluated using mathematical modeling and a real-life case study. According to our results, the proposed technique helps to maintain market equilibrium by guaranteeing that there is adequate demand while maintaining supply. Using the suggested framework, massive data created by the medication supply chain would be appropriately handled, allowing market forces to be better regulated and no manufactured shortages to inflate medicine prices. The proposed framework calls for the Drug Regulatory Authority (DRA) to authenticate users on blockchain and to monitor end-to-end DDP. Using the proposed framework, big data generated through drug supply chain will be properly managed; thus, market forces will be better controlled, and no artificial shortages will be generated to raise drug costs.