Ground handler dnata UK has been awarded certification for Good Distribution Practice (GDP) by the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (UK MHRA).
The UK MHRA granted dnata full Wholesaler Dealer Authorisation (WDA) after it completed the organisation’s Good Distribution Programme, while simultaneously investing in pharma handling technology at several of its facilities.
In order to achieve certification, dnata was required to either review or make enhancements to its quality systems, operations documentation and facilities management practices.
The handler's investments includes a 24-hour warehouse monitoring system that has the ability to conduct temperature mapping and advise dnata operators ahead of any deviation in temperature.
"This, in, turn enables pre-planning, quick response to adapt to adverse weather conditions and assessment of potential transport routes for pharma products," the company said.
"This leading-edge technology recently paid dividends when the cold front struck in early March and temperatures across the UK plummeted.
"Dnata was able to prepare for the severe temperature onslaught, and ensure that all pharmaceuticals handled followed the optimum route, at temperatures that limited the risk of spoilage."
In addition, the company has installed automated handling systems that can store pharmaceuticals at variable temperature ranges.
“We have invested in pharma-handling facilities across the UK in response to customer demand and in recognition of the growing importance of pharma cold-chain logistics,” said dnata UK chief executive Gary Morgan. “The next logical step was to ensure standards compliance and achieve UK MHRA certification.”
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