The Special Care Pharmaceuticals Transport Requires
May 7, 2021
Freight forwarders in the Philippines offer transport services for products such as FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods), pharmaceuticals, fashion and accessories, food, electronics, etc. Among the variety of products being shipped, pharmaceuticals are one of the most sensitive goods. They require special care to ensure quality is maintained throughout the transport period.
Administrative Order 2013-0027 of the DOH imposes that pharmaceutical product distribution should be carried out under the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Storage Practice (GSP), and Good Distribution Practice (GDP). This issuance was prepared so the country can effectively adapt to the WHO policies. To protect and promote the Filipino people’s right to health is upheld by following this Order’s guidelines. Freight forwarders in the Philippines should then strictly observe the regulations in this issuance. Apart from this, logistic companies should also add value and offer practical ways to move valued goods with solutions to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Time and Temperature Control is Key
Proper temperature maintenance is essential to the entire logistics process of shipping pharmaceuticals. Even slight deviance from the standard time and temperature can cause damage to the products, hence incurring not only financial costs but also endangering lives.
Below are some important points in keeping with the pharmaceutical shipping standards:
1 Quality Transport Vehicles
Product stability is maintained normally by keeping the transport vehicles’ temperature at 55 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Technological advancements are utilized to design the trucks’ ability to hold a certain temperature. Refrigerated trailers are used since they work independently of tractors hauling them; they have their own refrigeration system and power source intact. These work like our refrigerators that have a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. Freight forwarders should invest in the proper maintenance and upkeep of their transport vehicles to ensure no weather or environmental change can affect the products in transport.
2 Proper Packaging
Insulated containers must be used to protect the goods from temperature fluctuations, sunlight, humidity, and other environmental factors. The WHO recommends the use of passive shipping systems that consist of a combination of insulated material and temperature stabilizing media.
3 Knowledgeable Personnel
The shipping team must be fully equipped with knowledge regarding the proper upkeep of the products and the vehicle. Keen attention to detail, road rules, and driving expertise are expected from the personnel transporting the products. It is critical that they underwent cold chain logistics training.
Shipping pharmaceuticals is no easy task as the entire process requires effective training and sufficient cold chain logistics knowledge. The freight forwarders in the Philippines should then be competitive enough to follow the DOH and WHO standards as they are responsible for not only keeping the quality of pharmaceuticals but also the quality of health of the Filipino people.
