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DMD's Speech at the Commissioning of the National Pharmaceutical Distribution Centre, Apapa- Lagos
December 22, 2005

This new addition to OUR National Distribution Centre (Pharmaceuticals) is designed and built to world class standards and the facilities therein are GWP compliant.

PHYSICAL LAYOUT

• A physically separated Loading bay and Work Area.
• Ground Floor Area and Raised floor Area of 304m² and 240m²
• The ground floor is laid with thick glazed vitrified tiles whilst the raised floor area is finished with treated and polished hardwood.
• For optimal space utilization, the warehouse is fully racked with Mecalux steel racks.
• The total storage area is approximately 2000m² which can effectively accommodate 540 pallet squares of inventory.
• The roof of the warehouse is heavily insulated and covered with suspended heat reflecting ceiling boards.

SECURITY

• The warehouse entrance is well secured with two roller shutter doors.
• Access to the warehouse is restricted to authorized personnel only through the use of an electronic, keyless access system.
• The warehouse is well monitored through a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), security alarm system, as well as intruder and fire detection systems.
• All these are complimented by specially trained third party security operatives.

COOLING SYSTEM

• In compliance with GWP for pharmaceutical distribution, we have put in place an effective cooling system to achieve and maintain stable temperature in the warehouse.
• A/C Panel Control System is installed outside the warehouse for remote operation control of the A/C's – after closing hours.
• For effective temperature and humidity monitoring, thermometers (duly calibrated) and thermo-hygrometers are installed in the warehouse.
• The entire facility is supported by a dedicated transformer and two standby generators to ensure constant power supply to the complex.

MANAGEMENT

• Management of this warehouse falls under our pharmaceutical distribution unit, headed by Mrs. Onyinye Okafor, a qualified pharmacist. She is duly assisted by other pharmacists, inventory assistants, and order pickers e.t.c.
• Inventory Management in the warehouse is fully automated- enabled by an Enterprise Warehouse Management System (EWMS) with a specialized Batch Management Module.
• Mechanized Racking and Palletization (dedicated Electric Forklift in consonance with GWP for pharmaceutical distribution).
• Sophisticated Work Methods- signalization and well defined product identification parameters.

Welcome to the World of MDS Pharmaceutical Distribution Centre.