Enhanced stakeholder collaboration: major focus of the 2015 Middle East Pharma Cold Chain Congress

 After a successful launch last year, the Middle East Pharma Cold Chain Congress is back with more industry experts presenting timely and valuable information on the hottest issues and topics the pharmaceutical cold chain industry faces today. 

The congress commences on October 12 – 15, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in partnership with the GCC Health Ministers Council, Saudi Pharmaceutical Society and Supply Chain and Logistics Group. The event is hosting more than a hundred attendees from over 20 regional and international companies. The congress focuses on improving the transportation and storage of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals in the Middle East region with particular emphasis on the GCC; the ultimate goal is ensuring high quality pharmaceuticals and optimising patient safety. This must be done through the correct training of staff involved and aligning cold-chain regulations to meet the demands of the Middle East.

This year, the congress offers more emphasis on local manufacturers and drug distributors in the MENA region. Aside from the regular sessions, there are exciting new features for attendees: 6 case studies – new international and regional case studies including case studies on how companies such as UCB Pharma and EUP are effectively managing their cold chain system; 4 interactive workshops – four learning opportunities to choose from, with an aim to achieve best practice in handling cold chain products; and 2 key leaders panel discussions. 

With renewed focus on enhanced stakeholder collaboration, unique to this congress is representation and perspective from outside industries related to the pharmaceutical cold chain. Dr. Maha Murad of the UAE Ministry of Health provides insight in a panel discussion on benefits from improved access, quality and use of cold chain regulated medical products. Dr. Khalid Ali Al-Farsi of the Oman Ministry of Health leads an interactive workshop on vaccine management, cold chain and vaccine logistics. To lead the discussion in the development of the GCC as a global central drug distribution hub is Jonpaul Simpson of the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport. The sessions offer a never-before-seen look into the relationship of various components of the pharma cold chain industry and opens the floor to best practices and procedures.