What kind of logistical support are we looking for? Expand Any kind! Whether you can offer warehousing, transport, packaging, temperature-control solutions or simply support and advice, we are always on the lookout for new partners. If you have expertise in the movement of goods or related areas, we would welcome the chance to talk with you about partnering.
How do we transport donated products? Expand We use varying methods of transport, depending on a shipment’s urgency, size and destination. In a disaster response situation, we often arrange airfreight to ensure speed. For a destination linked by land, we may truck the cargo. For a longer-term programme, further away, we may build a larger shipment for a sea freight container – this can be a more cost-effective way to deliver. For some shipments, we arrange a direct collection from a donor company’s warehouse, where the shipment is also packed. If multiple donations are being combined, we typically consolidate these at one of our warehouses; then pack them for transport and collection.
Where do we work? Expand We deliver our medicines to a range of different countries and regions, to find out more about the in country partners we support, please visit places we work. We only take medicines that comply with European quality standards, and these are usually donated within the EU. Our warehousing facilities in the UK and EU allow us to coordinate and distribute these donations in an effective way. In order to get medicines to our in-country partners, we consolidate and build all of our shipments within Europe.
Do our logistics partners need to meet certain criteria? Expand When we organise storage and transport for donated medicines, our warehouses and methods of transport must conform to GDP (Good Distribution Practice) standards. This ensures that those who receive these donations can be sure they are of the same high quality and condition as the products we ourselves might obtain from a local pharmacy. The warehouses we use to store medicines for more than 48 hours will hold a Wholesale Dealers License (WDA). We also transport and arrange donations of medical supplies and equipment. For these, the sites and modes of transport do not need to conform to GDP standards. For these shipments, we can work with a wider range of partners.
Where do donated products come from? Expand We work with a range of healthcare company partners, donating products across Europe and beyond. To find out more about our donor companies, please visit heathcare partners.
Are there opportunities to help following disaster or emergency? Expand Yes, of course! We welcome logistical or warehousing support that can help us to respond to disasters. This could be space that would allow us to consolidate a large shipment, or it could be free or discounted freight rates that help us get medicines into a country. To find out how you can help, please get in touch with us.