Page 10 - Indian Transport & Logistics News July - August 2024 Issue for Website

Cover Story
Pharmaceutical
logistics

a mobile app for pick up registration, active pharmaceutical ingredient (API)
manifest, live tracking & proof of manufacturers,” says Srivardhan
delivery (POD) upload after delivery. Khemka, Director of Sanjivani
We can also customise the software as Paranteral Ltd.
per customer requirements & provide Experts also propose a multimodal
an interface between our software and approach that strategically integrates
the customers logistics management road, rail, and air freight, balancing
software. Our shipments are moving in urgency and cost considerations. This
Jeena Criticare Logistics (JCL) operated approach enhances delivery efficiency
vehicles, we also have our own master and timeliness while reducing
air waybill (MAWB) stock with the reliance on any single, fluctuating
airlines. We ensure that the first, middle transportation mode. In addition, there
& last mile is monitored throughout the are logistics companies now offering
supply chain with proper tracking of the hybrid sea/air solutions that aim to
shipments & handled by JCL-trained We anticipate find an optimal balance between cost
staff,” says Prakash Singh, COO of efficiency and swift delivery.
Jeena Criticare Logistics. policies that assist the “Govt of India has taken good
Jeena Criticare, a healthcare pharmaceutical sector initiative for the logistics industry by
logistics specialist in India, ensures vital with tax relief, such as introducing PM Gati Shakti & the
medical supplies like blood samples lower or nil GST rates, National Logistics Policy along with
and vaccines reach their destinations to facilitate business digital technologies such as the unified
safely. They provide services which operations. logistics interface platform (ULIP).
include temperature-controlled These policies have enabled ease of
transport, customisable solutions, and Srivardhan Khemka doing business. We are planning to
a wide delivery network across India. Sanjivani Paranteral Ltd. provide GPS tracking of all our vehicles,
The regulatory environment for and riders to the customers so they can
pharmaceutical logistics in India is Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to get the live location of their shipments.
evolving to keep pace with industry unveil the Union Budget 2024 later this We are also planning to reduce our
growth and global standards. The month, prompting industry leaders in carbon footprint in future by shifting to
Central Drugs Standard Control the pharmaceutical sector to call for a e-vehicles & we have already moved to
Organisation (CDSCO) has been renewed emphasis on their sector. BS VI & CNG vehicles for 1st & last mile
working on implementing Good “To achieve a $130 billion industry transportation,” states Singh of Jeena
Distribution Practices (GDP) guidelines by 2030, the budget should prioritise Criticare Logistics.
to ensure quality and integrity of research and development, following Sustainability is likely to become
pharmaceutical distribution. Good the example of last year's Promotion an increasingly important focus for
Distribution Practices (GDP) ensure of Research & Innovation Programme the pharmaceutical logistics sector.
that pharmaceutical products are (PRIP) Scheme. This goal can be As awareness of environmental
stored, transported, and handled under met by investing more in integrating issues grows, there will be increasing
appropriate conditions to safeguard technology and AI to enhance speed pressure on the industry to reduce its
their quality and efficacy. and accuracy. We anticipate policies carbon footprint and minimise waste.
The government is in the that assist the pharmaceutical sector Investing in technology-driven logistics
process of finalising regulations with tax relief, such as lower or nil GST facilities can transform drug storage
for e-pharmacies, which will rates, to facilitate business operations. and handling practices, setting high
have significant implications for Additionally, considering the standards. For example, optimising
pharmaceutical logistics. However, pharmaceutical sector's reliance on package sizes not only cuts down on
since no definitive policy has been exports, we expect credit schemes and storage and shipping expenses but
established so far, e-pharmacies policies to support international trade. also fosters sustainability efforts.
continue to face legal uncertainty and Simplifying access to international We may also see more investment in
operational difficulties. Regulatory markets will strengthen India's role green transportation solutions, such as
bodies have been also updating in the global pharmaceutical industry. electric vehicles for last-mile delivery
guidelines for cold chain management, Lastly, to promote the "Make in As the sector evolves, it will continue
particularly in light of COVID-19 India" initiative, the budget should to be a critical enabler of India's vision
vaccine distribution experiences. include low-interest rates and grants to be the world's pharmacy, driving
The government is facing increased to boost domestic manufacturing accessibility, affordability, and quality
expectations as Finance Minister setups, particularly for domestic in global healthcare.
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July - August 2024 www.itln.in