Page 14 - ITLN September - October 2023 for Magzter

Spotlight
Pharma
Logistics

“While adequate infrastructure is
being developed to meet the demand
of production and storage levels, the
main area of concern lies in the storage
infrastructure at consumption points.
There is a need to further strengthen
the storage facilities at these points to
ensure the integrity and effectiveness of
the cold chain, which is crucial for the
pharmaceutical industry,” said Handa.

Product Damage - Reasons/
Solutions
According to a Financial Express
report, roads account for more than
71percent of Indian pharmaceutical
delivery, exposing biopharmaceuticals to
deterioration owing to uneven topography
and high temperatures. Furthermore,
approximately 20percent of temperature-
sensitive healthcare supplies are
destroyed on the road due to deficient regulations that ensure these products
cold chains. We asked the industry are transported only in appropriate
players their opinion on these statistics. temperature-controlled environments.
“The pharmaceutical company needs Fortunately, the industry has access to
to take charge and ensure that their abundant resources and solutions to
product reaches the market at the correct ensure timely and complete deliveries
temperature and the perfect condition to all locations,” said Handa.
as well. This will automatically create
awareness and receive positive reviews Sustainable Transportation
about the faster effects of the medicine. Refrigerated trucks are mostly used
The pharmaceutical companies need to We need stricter to transport perishable goods and
make a collective decision that they will medications. According to research
provide a better system of delivery of their regulations that ensure conducted by the International Institute
product to every Indian. Even if the cost of pharma products of Refrigeration, cold transport might
medicines increases, at least the patient are transported require up to 20percent more gasoline
knows he will heal faster for a better only in appropriate due to refrigeration equipment.
future,” said George. temperature-controlled According to a 2022 GlobalData study,
“This is an alarming statistic and is environments. the majority of pharma sector insiders
indicative of a systemic problem that say more should be done to improve
requires urgent rectification. Investment Fortunately, the supply chain sustainability.
in infrastructure and technologies industry has access to “The transport sector contributes
designed to maintain strict temperature abundant resources to a quarter of global CO2 emissions,
controls during transit is paramount. and solutions to ensure 30percent of particulate matter,
This could involve implementing timely and complete and noise pollution. Switching to
advanced refrigeration systems, GPS deliveries to all solar-powered or electric vehicles,
tracking and real-time monitoring to or use of PCM for longer duration
ensure optimal conditions throughout locations. of optimum temperatures at lesser
the journey. Collaborative efforts Padamdeep Singh Handa energy costs, can be the first step.
between pharmaceutical companies, Snowman Logistics While supply chains are evolving to be
logistics providers and regulatory environmentally conscious and efficient
bodies are essential to establish and “We have already seen our in cost, time, fuel and productivity, it
enforce stringent guidelines that govern capability in successfully transporting will require a collaborative approach,
cold supply chains. By prioritising Covid-19 vaccine, so distribution and effective tech adoption, to make
these improvements, the Indian is not necessarily the challenge. temperature-controlled transportation
pharmaceutical distribution sector can However, the issue of degradation a sustainable practice. Transportation
bolster its integrity, maintain product and damage to temperature-sensitive consolidation and preference for
efficacy and ultimately improve patient healthcare products on roadways is railways or waterways can save cost and
care nationwide,” said Bose. important to address. We need stricter time,” said Bose.
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