Blockchain Interoperability for A Reputation-Based Drug Supply Chain Management

Abstract

The pharmaceutical drug industry faces considerable challenges in supply chain management, particularly in regard to tracking and tracing medications. Counterfeit drugs pose a significant global threat, and existing supply chain management practices often prove insufficient to prevent adulteration. Blockchain technology offers a potential solution to these issues by establishing a decentralized and distributed ecosystem where stakeholders can foster a trustworthy relationship. To address these limitations, we propose a blockchain-based system for tracking drugs in the supply chain, incorporating a reputation mechanism to ensure transparency and accountability among entities. To mitigate the interoperability challenges between blockchain networks, we implement inter-blockchain communication using the burn-to-claim protocol. Hyperledger Fabric is used as the primary blockchain because it ensures confidentiality between multiple organizations, and Quorum is the other blockchain. Our solution prioritizes trust, traceability, transparency, and accountability to deliver safe, authentic medication to consumers.