Business & Money | Monday 25 February, 2019 1:46 pm |

International Cold Chain Management Congress (ICCM) opens today (February 26) at Movenpick Hotel, Riyadh. 

 

Owing to its climatic conditions and very high standards in healthcare services, Saudi Arabia has a very strict regulatory framework for the transportation and handling of pharmaceuticals, especially temperature controlled pharma products. 

 

With expansion of new hospitals and pharmaceutical logistics facilities, pharmaceutical sector in the country expects to touch around SAR 36 billion in the next five years. This coupled with the fact that that Kingdom is one of the largest GCC country area-wise, requires the industry to set-up improved cold chain management system that ensure safe and perfect last mile delivery, which is a challenge.

 

The Saudi government has been setting aside a sizable portion of their budget spending to the healthcare sector, which amounted to the third largest share of 15.6 percent (SAR 172 billion) in the budget expenditure set aside by the government for 2019. 

 

Co-organised by the Saudi Pharmaceutical Society (SPS) and Maarefah Management the ICCM congress will discuss innovation and critical challenges in the pharmaceutical supply chain. The event will provide stakeholders involved in Cold Chain industry with latest trends and highlight key solutions to challenges facing the pharmaceutical cold chain industry through topical panel discussions, featured presentations, specialised workshops, and ‘Meet the Expert’ sessions. 

 

Experts from leading solution providers in the pharmaceutical supply chain including Honeywell Middle East, Hino - Jamjoom Vehicles and Equipment, HALA Supply Chain Services Co, and Lisaline will be participating at the Congress. A must attend event participated by industry leaders, the ICCM will run until February 28.