Description:[0014] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0015] Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the preferred, systems and methods are now described. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several figures, and in which example embodiments are shown. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.
[0016] The present invention discloses a method for tracking drugs using a blockchain-based system, enabling real-time monitoring and secure data management throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain.
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a flow chart of a method (100) for tracking drugs using block-chain based system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] At operation 102, providing the production of a Drug onto the Blockchain Platform. The method begins by logging the production of the drug onto the blockchain platform. When a drug is manufactured, critical details such as the batch number, production date, and expiration date are recorded. This may be done via a user interface that allows manufacturers to enter the data directly onto the blockchain. Since blockchain records are immutable, this step ensures that the drug’s origin and production details are securely stored and cannot be altered.
[0019] At operation 104, uploading Shipment Details to the Blockchain upon dispatch by the Vendor/Manufacturer. Once the drugs ready for dispatch, the vendor or manufacturer uploads the shipment details onto the blockchain platform via the user interface. The shipment details may include the drug's destination, expected arrival date, and the name of the transporter. This step ensures that all stakeholders, including distributors and healthcare facilities, are aware of the drug’s movement in real-time. The use of blockchain in this step enhances transparency, as the shipment data is available to all authorized parties and cannot be modified.
[0020] At operation 106, logging real-time data during transit to the distributor via the user interface. During the drug's transit, real-time data may be continuously logged onto the blockchain. This data may include the drug’s current location, temperature, humidity levels, and any other critical environmental conditions that could affect the drug’s quality. The system may use IoT (Internet of Things) devices attached to the shipment containers to collect and transmit this data. The real-time data is then uploaded onto the blockchain via the user interface, allowing all stakeholders to monitor the drug’s condition throughout its journey.
[0021] At operation 108, updating the shipment status on the blockchain platform upon arrival at the distributor via the user interface. Upon arrival at the distributor, the shipment status may be updated on the blockchain platform via the user interface. This update may include the time and date of arrival, as well as a confirmation of the drug’s condition upon delivery. The distributor can then review the shipment's journey, ensuring that the drug has been transported under the correct conditions. This step provides an added layer of accountability, as the blockchain platform creates a permanent record of the drug’s arrival and condition.
[0022] At operation 110, updating the shipment status on the blockchain platform upon arrival at the hospital or a pharmacy via the user interface.
[0023] Similarly, when the drug arrives at the hospital or pharmacy, the shipment status may be updated again on the blockchain platform. This step involves recording the time of delivery and the personnel responsible for receiving the shipment. The system may also allow hospitals or pharmacies to verify the drug's authenticity by cross-referencing the shipment details with the data logged on the blockchain. This ensures that only legitimate, high-quality drugs are dispensed to patients.
[0024] At operation 112, tracking the dispensing of the drug to patients and recording it onto the blockchain platform. Once the drug is dispensed to patients, the details of this transaction may also be recorded on the blockchain. This step may include logging the patient ID (or a pseudonymized identifier), the amount of drug dispensed, and the healthcare professional responsible for administering the drug. Recording this information on the blockchain provides a comprehensive audit trail, enabling hospitals and regulatory bodies to trace the drug’s journey from production to consumption.
[0025] At operation 114, providing real-time monitoring and an audit trail through the blockchain platform via the user interface. The final step of the method involves providing real-time monitoring and an audit trail for all stakeholders via the blockchain platform. This audit trail may include the drug’s production details, shipment history, environmental conditions during transit, and dispensing records. The user interface allows stakeholders to access this data at any time, ensuring full visibility of the drug's journey. In addition, the system may generate alerts if any irregularities are detected, such as deviations in temperature or delays in shipment. This feature ensures that corrective action can be taken immediately to prevent compromised drugs from reaching patients.
[0026] It should be noted that the method for tracking drugs using block-chain based system thereof in any case could undergo numerous modifications and variants, all of which are covered by the same innovative concept; moreover, all of the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the components used, as well as the numbers, shapes, and sizes of the components can be of any kind according to the technical requirements. The scope of protection of the invention is therefore defined by the attached claims. , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1.A method for tracking drugs using block-chain based system, the method (100) comprises:
providing the production of a drug onto the blockchain platform;
uploading shipment details to the blockchain upon dispatch by the vendor/manufacturer, via a user interface;
logging real-time data onto the blockchain during transit to the distributor, via the user interface;
updating the shipment status on the blockchain platform upon arrival at the distributor, via the user interface;
updating the shipment status on the blockchain platform upon arrival at the hospital/pharmacy, via the user interface;
tracking, via at least one processor, the dispensing of the drug to patients and recording it onto the blockchain platform; and
providing real-time monitoring and an audit trail through the blockchain platform, via the user interface.
2.The method (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blockchain platform correspond to Ethereum may facilitate decentralized applications and secure transactions.