LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The launch of the much awaited Air Cargo Malawi Limited’s (ACM) pharmaceutical services will improve medicine suppliers shipment in the country.

Air Cargo Malawi has partnered Emirates Airlines to deliver medicines to Malawi from import markets in Europe and Dubai.

ACM Board Chairperson Felix Tandwe observes that the launch of Pharma services underscores the company’s commitment to providing customers with value for money in freight services.

He was speaking during the service launch on Thursday, July 18, 2024, in the capital Lilongwe.

“This launch follows an assessment of the market for pharmaceuticals and engagement with the stakeholder to understand needs and package a solution that responds to the need. The initiative holds immense potential to positively impact on Malawi’s socio-economic development by contributing to improvements in supply, distribution and safety of pharmaceuticals.

“The imports include critical generic medicines, vaccines, and specialised healthcare equipment. Most are urgently needed to respond to demands in the country’s hospitals, pharmacies, and central medical stores,” said Tandwe.

He therefore advised all pharmaceutical importers to collaborate for the initiative to yield desirable results.

Tandwe said, “We are calling upon all pharmaceutical importers to engage us, we have the capacity, we have the personnel and the procedures that will ensure that we do it in a very reliable and efficient manner.”

He assured, “This service is a testament to our commitment to supporting the growth and development of Malawi’s healthcare sector. We believe that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, and our aim is to contribute meaningfully to the improvement of healthcare outcomes in our country.

“Our Pharmaceuticals freight service will not only enhance the availability of essential medicines but also support the economic growth of our country. We are proud to be part of this journey, and we look forward to working closely with our partners in the healthcare industry to make a positive impact on the lives of Malawians”.

Tandwe adds, “Our newly launched Pharma service will ensure the seamless transportation of life-changing drugs and sensitive pharmaceutical products by integrating speed, safety, and reliability. We will offer affordable rates and will have come to respond to the question of stock-outs of medicines in some of our facilities due to the nightmare of freight logistics hitherto experienced”.

In his remarks, Pharmacy Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) Director General Mphatso Kawaye has hailed the development describing it as a milestone in the county’s health sector.

“The coming in of Air Cargo Malawi Limited into the equation and their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in pharmaceutical logistics is a development that we all must celebrate. It is a demonstration of your commitment to support the health care sector in ensuring access of quality assured medicines.

“What we need going forward is continued innovation and collaboration to ensure continuous improvement of the security of the supply chain pipeline for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products through the utilization of Air Cargo Malawi Pharma Services and ultimately improve healthcare outcomes for Malawi”, said Kawaye.