A Blockchain–AIoT Framework for Secure and Sustainable Pharmaceutical Supply Chains

Abstract

Vaccine spoilage from temperature changes and counterfeit medications, which cost more than $200 billion a year, are two of the biggest problems facing the global pharmaceutical supply chain. Inadequate tracking systems put patients at risk, increase medical waste, and make regulatory compliance more difficult. In order to facilitate end-to-end traceability, real-time cold-chain monitoring, and sustainable supply chain management, this study suggests a single framework that combines blockchain and AIoT technologies. The system uses a relay chain-parachainblockchain architecture, Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT) consensus to lower energy consumption, Cryptographic Hash Summaries (CHS) for immutable batch identification, and AIoTsensors for environmental monitoring. Batch registration, waste tracking, recalls, and cold-chain surveillance are all supported by new algorithms. Compared to Ethereum-based systems, the framework reduces cold-chain breach detection time by 40%, drug waste by 18%, and energy consumption by 30%. Transaction fees are lowered by 60–99%. It automates compliance and uses token rewards to promote environmentally friendly behavior. This strategy improves medication safety, assures regulatory compliance, and fosters environmental sustainability. Future accessibility and dependability will be improved by expanding generic drug markets in developing nations and utilizing machine learning in predictive analytics.