FEATURE


strategy. “Major challenges include managing the cold chain (the transportation of goods at controlled temperatures from point of manufacture to point of use), and the need to comply with local regulations as the goods cross borders”, says Alan. As well as extensive procurement and logistical capabilities, any supplier must have an accurate traceability or pedigree system, use Good Distribution Practices and reliable quality control. For multinationals, geographical coverage is also key. “The distribution network should be as far-reaching as possible”, adds Alan. “This minimizes lead times, maximizes the ability to source in different markets, languages and currencies— and aids compliance with local regulations.”


Twin objectives International SOS’ Medical Supply Chain division serves companies worldwide, supplying pharmaceuticals, medical disposables and consumables, medical equipment and medical kits. Clients include remote sites, offshore and maritime environments, the energy, mining and infrastructure sector, government sectors and NGOs, multinational organizations and the aviation industry. “To meet our clients’ needs, International SOS is establishing a global medical equipment and supply distribution capability, including a center of excellence for the delivery of medical supply logistics solutions to remote locations,” explains Grant Jeffery, CEO of International SOS’ Medical Supply Chain division. “This enables us to provide an end-to-end service to clients by integrating our medical supply chain logistics capability into all our core offerings.” Grant says that when International SOS doctors are


responsible for treating in-person or remote patients, their medical teams know exactly what’s been supplied, for what purpose and how often. “This integration offers effective medical assistance and valuable reporting for our clients as it has for US Airways.”


Key integration


Any major multinational or smaller organization can subcontract the purchase, delivery and inventory management of medical supplies to International SOS’ Medical Supply Chain division’s worldwide network. Alan points out that the experience of its pharmacists, doctors and logistics experts is essential. “We provide a single-source supply chain solution that’s just part of our capability in remote locations”, he says.


That integration with other services is essential. For example, supplying equipment for medical teams onsite can be part of a wider healthcare staffing and delivery contract. And crew members on a ship or plane—or staff at a remote clinic—are trained in how to use the supplies.“Our doctors compile standard lists of medical supplies that available in our supply chain centers”,


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explains Alan. This can make a difference when the supplies are used. “It means that our medical teams know exactly what’s been supplied, and can provide very effective assistance remotely—for instance, when a crew member calls in an emergency.”


Short notice


Noble Corporation is a leading offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. The company has a fleet of 79 offshore drilling units located all over the world. Jesper Mogensen is Noble’s Marine Superintendent. “We manage very long tows of our rigs, sometimes from one side of the planet to another”, he explains. “We keep risks to our crew to a minimum and have robust standards for medical facilities and healthcare during extremely long tows.” One recent example Jesper cites was the imminent departure of one of its vessels from the Gulf of Mexico ahead of a transatlantic crossing. “The medical equipment onboard had been rented, and we needed to replace it very quickly”, explains Jesper. Noble also needed a qualified doctor within very short timeframes. “We needed to activate a Medical Emergency Response Plan at short notice.” International SOS sourced the doctor and the medical supplies as an integrated solution – which was crucial in meeting the short timeframe.


This seamlessness means that medical and security


risks are managed effectively from a delivery and cost perspective. And most importantly, can save critical time in an emergency. “Our kits are integrated into a comprehensive turnkey solution on a worldwide basis”, says Grant Jeffery. “And that’s exactly what our clients tell us they need.” ■


International SOS doctors are responsible for treating in-person or remote patients, their medical teams know exactly what’s been supplied, for what purpose and how often.


“When ”


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