Singapore: As part of its strategy to further build global supply chain competence in the healthcare market, Germany-based DB Schenker has opened a new logistics center in South Korea to provide healthcare and pharmaceutical logistics services. The facility is located in Gunpo, near Seoul, and is constructed over an area of approximately 6,100 square meters.

The logistics center is fully equipped for healthcare operations, including cold storage range of 2-8 degrees Celsius and 15-25 degrees Celsius products, specialized vaults for sensitive pharmaceutical products (such as psychotropic and radioactive items) with emphasis on quality, compliance and safety. It is already TAPA-A certified and has also attained the Korean Good Supplying Practice (KGSP), which certifies security, efficacy, safety and stability in healthcare logistics services.

The logistics center is one of the 26 contract logistics sites in 15 countries offering specialized services for the healthcare/pharma customers. The global healthcare logistics network is being expanded continuously with more specialty hubs recently opened in India and Philippines, as well as planned key additions in countries including Singapore, Sweden, Australia and the Netherlands.

The DB Schenker healthcare warehouses are GDP (Good Distribution Practices) compliant facilities with a strong adherence to quality, security, and regulatory standards. Many key sites are also equipped with a variety of cold chain temperature zones (15-25 degrees Celsius ; 2-8 degrees Celsius and -25 degrees Celsius).

DB Schenker has also set in place a 'Global Quality Framework Program,' focusing on the key quality requirements of the healthcare/pharmaceutical industry, in terms of stringent quality and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or equivalent regulatory requirements. This program is driven by a team of qualified professionals and pharmacist in key countries to ensure the delivery of consistent standards and working practices across current and future healthcare operations.

"Healthcare logistics is more than just moving boxes. It is a critical part of our job to deliver safe, effective healthcare products to save lives," says Mr Peter Logan, vice president Healthcare Vertical Market, Contract Logistics/SCM, at DB Schenker. "We combine our global network and our industry experience to fulfill our customers' expectations, by delivering innovative end-to-end transformational solutions, leveraging visibility platforms and enabling globally competitive supply chains," he added.