Distribution companies have a big role to play when it comes to the complex ecosystem of global healthcare. They make sure that medical devices, lifesaving medications and other healthcare products reach those who need them.
Distribution companies such as TLS Technology are instrumental in being the bright between the end users and the manufacturers. There are many logistical challenges that they need to navigate along with regulatory frameworks and geographical barriers in order to deliver healthcare solutions all over the world. Distribution companies are intermediaries between the healthcare manufacturers and the healthcare providers so that there is a consistent flow of products from the production facilities to the users at the other end. Some of the tasks that they will handle are managing inventory, transportation, order fulfilment etc. They will streamline the supply chain process. Logistics of the process are efficiently managed by distribution companies so that shortages can be prevented and a consistent supply of essential healthcare products are maintained. They will also help reduce wastage of these products.
There are many challenges with global healthcare distribution
And one such difficulty is the regulatory landscapes that will differ from country to country. There are different requirements for importation, registering products, labelling the products and distributing them to practices when it comes to different countries and it is up to the distribution companies to stay ahead of these regulations to ensure compliance. This is how they can avoid disruptions or delays in the supply chain. They have a lot of expertise when it comes to navigating the regulatory challenges and this ensures that healthcare products meet the required standards and reach patients in a safe and legal manner.
They will also maintain the integrity of the healthcare products to ensure the safety of the patients. There are strong quality assurance measures put in place so that the products can be protected against contamination, damage or tampering during transportation and storage. For example, specialised handling and storage conditions are ensured for temperature sensitive medications so that they don’t degrade. The distribution companies have invested in proper infrastructure and stay in line with best practices in order to preserve the safety of the healthcare products and their efficacy.
Another challenge is reaching remote communities and underserved areas
Transportation networks and delivery channels are established by distribution companies in order to deliver medical supplies to rural villages, disaster stricken areas etc. This is done as a result of their logistical expertise so that they are able to provide essential healthcare for even the most inaccessible areas. It can also be quite difficult to gain market access in foreign countries and they do so by leveraging their local networks, market knowledge and expertise regarding the country regulations.
They are able to navigate cultural nuances and language barriers in order to establish their presence and distribute products. Also, innovative solutions are used by distribution companies in order to improve healthcare access. Some examples are the use of predictive analytics, real-time tracking and optimisation of inventory. They can anticipate the demand for healthcare products and reduce costs which can all lead to improved accessibility to healthcare worldwide.
