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The Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) announced the launch of its Good Distribution Practices (GDP) Accreditation Program through the association’s Pharmaceutical Cargo Security Coalition (PCSC) at the annual PCSC Educational Seminar held in Whippany, N.J. ASC Associates Ltd, a firm with extensive experience developing and implementing GDP training programs consistent with those in Europe, the only recognized standards globally, will help administer the program.
The GDP Accreditation Program is designed to provide partners in the pharmaceutical supply chain, primarily those offering vendor services, the ability to demonstrate familiarization and adherence to recognized GDP operational and training criteria. GDP is an important standard of processes that ensure the quality and integrity of medical products within the pharmaceutical supply chain. The standard can apply to manufacturers and distributors, as well as entities outside of the industry that support the distribution of pharmaceutical products. DeSpir Logistics, a 3PL Logistics Network, participated in and completed the training during the program's development phase, making it the first company to receive accreditation.
“The HDA PCSC’s Good Distribution Practices Accreditation Program is the first of its kind — there are currently no regularly monitored GDP standards in the United States,” said Chuck Forsaith, Vice President of HDA's Pharmaceutical Cargo Security Coalition. “For several years, many in the pharmaceutical supply chain have called for a program in the U.S. that adheres to the GDP standards of the European Medicines Agency. This program is a natural extension of HDA’s mission, and I am proud that the PCSC is helping to lead the industry to create a new set of standards that ultimately enhance the safety and security of pharmaceutical products.”
“This program is the culmination of the hard work and planning between PCSC and ASC Associates Ltd.,” said Henry Moran, Chief Operating Officer of ASC Associates Ltd and advisory board member of the PCSC. “I applaud DeSpir Logistics for being the first to complete the training during the program's development phase. Companies such as DeSpir that receive accreditation will be better positioned to solve the challenges facing the supply chain today. ASC Associates Ltd’s partnership with HDA and the PCSC ensures trading partners have access to international networks and perspectives outside their respective countries.”
HDA/PCSC
Companies may apply to the program, and if accepted, the applicant will undergo a measured assessment process involving European standards. A review of a company’s existing supply chain security criteria and those developed and endorsed through the PCSC will also be offered. The process will include reviews of current protocols, on-site assessments, as well as several different levels of training. A reference library will also be made available to participants in the program to allow them to remain current in GDP initiatives. Upon successful completion of the assessment and training process, an accreditation standing will be awarded by HDA and valid for two years, with an option for renewal.
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