Heightened regulatory oversight of pharmaceutical distribution is reshaping South Africa’s logistics sector, placing increased emphasis on traceability, temperature control and secure handling across the healthcare supply chain. As compliance requirements tighten, logistics providers are being compelled to invest in specialised systems, infrastructure and skills to ensure that pharmaceutical products are distributed safely and conform with regulatory standards.

Against this backdrop, leading global transport and logistics company Bidvest International Logistics (BIL) has expanded its healthcare logistics capability through the opening of a new pharmaceutical facility at OR Tambo International Airport, in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, aimed at supporting South Africa’s growing demand for compliant healthcare distribution.

Speaking to Creamer Media publishing editor Martin Creamer during an exclusive video interview, BIL responsible pharmacist Clement Kgatla said regulatory compliance under the oversight of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) underpins all pharmaceutical operations at the company.

He added that achieving SAHPRA accreditation is a major milestone for any organisation.

“It was an incredible journey. We refined our documentation processes, trained all employees involved in pharmaceutical operations and upgraded our infrastructure to ensure full compliance with temperature-controlled and secure storage that keeps medicines safe and properly managed.

“Dealing with SAHPRA, we must maintain a high standard in terms of distribution. Cargo is adequality stored, packaged in high-quality, validated packaging material and distributed using suitable, climate-controlled vehicles.”

“We have different temperature-controlled rooms for different applications, from frozen, refrigerated to ambient. We ensure that the temperature of pharmaceutical products are continuously maintained at the required levels throughout the logistics process to ensure that the cargo leaves our warehouse and arrives at the end-user at exactly the right temperature,” Kgatla said.

Temperature compliance is monitored through a cloud-based electronic system that allows for continuous oversight using sensors installed at the OR Tambo airport facility.

“I’m able to virtually monitor temperatures 24/7 from any location, as long as there’s Internet connectivity. This system also provides me with alerts when there are temperature changes that deviate from the specified range. I receive an SMS or email notification,” explained Kgatla.

Traceability

The facility is supported by an electronic inventory management system that enables detailed product tracking and traceability.

“We use CargoWise One, a comprehensive, cloud-based logistics solution, for our inventory management. It’s quite a versatile system that allows integration with other systems. For instance, if we have a client who opts to store their products with us, we can integrate our system with theirs to enable them to monitor their products while they are at our facility,” Kgatla said.

He added that the system allows for batch-level expiration date monitoring and recall management.

“As soon as a product comes into the facility, it can be tracked using batch numbers and expiry dates. Therefore, we can notify clients if their products are  about to expire. And if, for instance, there is a product recall, we can track the delivery destinations of cargo and retrieve those products.”

Kgatla highlighted the operational advantages of the airport-side warehouse being a licensed customs degrouping facility, which allows for the faster collection of cargo before it has been cleared.

“Even though the cargo is not cleared, we can transport it to our warehouse, store it in a proper temperature-controlled facility and have customs inspect the cargo in an optimal environment at our facility rather than waiting for clearance in substandard conditions.”

Security

The facility has also received an A rating from the Transport Asset Protection Association, reflecting its high security standards.

“This accreditation means that this facility is highly integrated in terms of security measures that ensure it is as secure as possible. When a client delivers their cargo, they are confident that their cargo will not be tampered with or stolen,” emphasises Kgatla.

Beyond pharmaceuticals, BIL has a medical devices licence issued by SAHPRA, with Kgatla adding that scalability forms a core part of the company’s operating model.

“The facility at OR Tambo airport is our main warehouse where we deal with healthcare products. But BIL’s business model also involves establishing new facilities. If there is a need for a bigger warehouse for pharmaceuticals or healthcare, BIL can scale up and get that facility SAHPRA accredited for pharmaceuticals.”

Summing up the company’s approach, Kgatla said the focus is on delivering integrated value to its clients.

“BIL’s facility can store and distribute multiple commodity types. Therefore, a client doesn’t have to use warehouse facilities operated by different logistics service producers when they have various products. They can bring their commodities to one facility and have them effectively and securely managed by one business.”