Singapore thus becomes the second station in the global dnata network, after Amsterdam, to achieve the accreditation, which ensures compliance with best distribution and handling practices.
Coolchain, which was officially opened in 2013, boasts the facilities to cater for the full range of pharmaceutical products, with independently adjustable temperatures in each holding room to suit the product in hand. Highly skilled staff, given specialised training in the handling of niche products, ensure priority loading and unloading is given to pharmaceuticals, in order that temperature fluctuation is kept to a minimum. This way, the 25,000 tonnes of perishable and pharmaceutical cargo that dnata Singapore moves annually is never compromised in the process of handling.
Mark Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of dnata Singapore, says of Coolchain, “The facility was built with the intention of incorporating and using the latest technology to ensure the highest quality supply chain management when handling time- and temperature-sensitive cargo like pharmaceuticals. The GDP certification is the acknowledgement of the high standards of our handling processes in Coolchain so that airlines and agents know that their precious cargo is well taken care of.”
Independent assessor and consultancy Exelsius worked diligently with the Coolchain handling team to develop the Pharmaceutical Handling Quality Manual, Standard Operating Procedure Manuals and Work Instructions. Consequently, dnata Singapore and Coolchain were found to be in compliance with the Health Sciences Authority’s strict GDP Standards and the certification was duly awarded.
The centre is now preparing for CEIV certification.
