The pharmaceuticals wholesale and distribution market in India is undergoing a transformation, driven by technological advancements, e-commerce integration, and the emergence of specialized distribution players. As the pharmaceutical industry evolves, the market faces several challenges in meeting the growing demands of the healthcare sector. From complex and fragmented distribution network resulting in inefficiencies and delays in product delivery to storage and transportation issues impacting product integrity, there are varying problems ailing the market. Furthermore, there are concerns pertaining to the rise of counterfeit drugs and complications of compliance with various laws and regulations.
Plus Distributions (PDPL) addresses these challenges by adopting new technologies to streamline operations and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure the timely delivery of quality pharmaceutical products. It has made sizable investments in its warehousing facilities for Efficient Inventory Management to optimize stock levels, and storage, track product expiry, and efficient delivery. Through its quality assurance measures, it verifies the authenticity and quality of pharmaceutical products. The company has streamlined the order and delivery processes to meet customer demands within envisaged timelines. It also offers compliance support to help customers navigate regulatory requirements. With its competitive pricing and discounts, it helps customers save costs while providing them with responsive assistance for inquiries and issue resolution.
Adapting to Changing Market Dynamics
PDPL is a rapidly expanding pharma distribution network, backed by promoters with over two decades of experience in the industry. It has adapted to changing market dynamics, technologies, and regulations while prioritizing a customer-centric approach and transparency. As a result, PDPL has emerged as a reliable and efficient distributor, serving a wide range of pharmaceutical products through strategic partnerships with leading manufacturers. Its impressive CAGR reflects the strong position it has achieved in the market. With a robust warehousing set-up of approximately 60,000 sq feet, the firm is continuously expanding to meet growing demands.
“Distinguished as one of the select few players in the country, PDPL orchestrates comprehensive IPD and OPD pharmacy management of large hospitals, while concurrently operating as an extensive pharma Wholesale and distribution network for esteemed corporate hospitals, nursing homes, and retailers. We have created a niche business model for ourselves in the pharmaceuticals wholesale and distribution network,” says Anil Kumar, Managing Director, Plus Distributions.
Dedication towards Customer Satisfaction & Longevity
It is the company’s unwavering dedication to quality, compliance, and customer satisfaction that has endowed it with a loyal customer base and strong ties with hospitals, healthcare providers, and medical institutions. Its efficient supply chain and distribution network ensures timely product delivery to diverse locations. For the past two decades, PDPL has partnered with one of North India’s largest and fastest-growing hospital chains, exclusively managing their IPD and OPD requirements. This enduring relationship showcases the reliability and longevity of its distribution services.
In a recent achievement, PDPL has become the exclusive C&F partner for one of the listed Pharmaceutical Company of the country for its Northern-Central India region, further expanding its product range. To serve its customers effectively, PDPL operates warehousing facilities in Delhi/NCR, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar-Pradesh and Uttarakhand, which enables it to reach various geographical locations and clients across these regions.
Focus on Supply Chain Efficiency
What sets PDPL apart is its focus on supply chain efficiency, utilizing streamlined processes for inventory management, order processing, and demand forecasting to reduce costs and improve service levels. Moreover, its value-added services including temperature-sensitive storage, customized packaging, and educational resources enhance its competitive edge.
Demonstrating environmental responsibility, the company employs sustainable practices, appealing to eco-conscious customers and building a reputation as a responsible business. Furthermore, through strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare service providers, it creates mutually beneficial alliances that extend market reach and foster growth opportunities.
Strict Adherence to Regulatory Compliance & Quality
When it comes to product quality and safety, PDPL ensures strict adherence to regulatory compliance and guidelines. Following Good Distribution Practices (GDP), it mandates proper handling, storage, and transportation of pharmaceuticals throughout the supply chain. The company meticulously selects suppliers and manufacturers who meet high-quality standards, fostering long-term partnerships. To preserve the efficacy of temperature-sensitive products like vaccines, it implements rigorous cold chain management in its warehousing facilities, maintaining specific temperature ranges during storage and transportation.
Moreover, the company’s pharmaceutical products undergo regular quality control checks and testing to ensure safety and efficacy. It uses serialization and track-and-trace technologies, including Zones and Bins in its warehousing, to prevent counterfeiting and enhance product traceability, ensuring a secure supply chain and rapid issue resolution. These best practices and approaches enable PDPL to deliver safe and effective pharmaceutical products to end-users.
Distribution Network Tailored to Customer Needs
Insights into PDPL’s customer lifecycles how that it sets off by understanding the client’s requirements in detail, including product types, regulatory needs, and storage facilities. Based on this, a comprehensive proposal is prepared, and after agreement on the terms, a formal contract is signed. The firm then plans a distribution network tailored to their needs, ensuring compliance with all necessary regulations and obtaining the required licenses and permits. Its focus on regulatory compliance and quality standards ensures a seamless pharmaceutical distribution process.
PDPL is one of the very few players in the country who oversee comprehensive IPD & OPD pharmacy management of hospitals, while concurrently operating as an extensive pharma Wholesale & distribution network for esteemed corporate hospitals, nursing homes, healthcare service providers & retailers
By implementing an efficient inventory management system, PDPL tracks products in real-time, prevents stock-outs, and manages expiry dates. After procuring pharmaceutical products, it stores them in temperature-controlled environments. Order processing is handled promptly, and products are packed and shipped accurately. Then the last-mile delivery ensures safe and timely delivery to hospitals, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities.
Providing dedicated customer support and assistance, PDPL’s Customer Relationship Manager ensures effective communication throughout the distribution process. Adverse event reporting and recall management are diligently followed to meet regulatory guidelines. Feedback from clients is continuously gathered to improve processes and services. The company regularly analyzes the distribution process to optimize the supply chain and reduce costs.
The Growth Journey
Since its inception, PDPL has maintained consistent profitability, achieving organic growth with some recent inorganic additions. The entire equity remains with the promoters, yet it has achieved remarkable growth compared to industry peers. Initially, the company served local pharmacies and hospitals in the Haryana region. As trust and reputation grew, its client base expanded to other regions. It successfully managed IPD & OPD pharmacy operations for a large hospital group, becoming an integral part of their journey. Expanding to various states allowed it to reach more healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and diversify services to include specialized distribution for injectables, surgical products, and temperature-sensitive medications.
Presently, PDPL exclusively oversees the IPD/OPD pharmacy operations of over 25 hospital facilities, spread across Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, U.P, and Delhi/NCR regions. It serves more than 400 clients nationwide, including multiple hospitals, distributors, and retailers.
The Way Ahead
Going forward, PDPL plans to focus on the growth in its wholesale and distribution network, tap new geographical markets, market research, customer feedback, and understanding the pharmaceutical industry’s evolving needs. It aims to enhance its position in the market through strategic partnerships and collaborations with pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare providers, and logistics companies. To retain and attract clients, it is emphasizing new talent acquisition, customer loyalty programs, and targeted discounts. In addition, its state-of-the-art pharmaceutical warehousing facilities in new geographical regions are expected to attract more customers, ensuring secure and compliant storage solutions and expanding its market reach.
PDPL is set to launch its B2B platform “UNIOS” for seamless pharmaceutical product order placement and tracking, improving efficiency. Green initiatives, such as eco-friendly packaging and optimized transportation, demonstrate its commitment to sustainability. Offering value-added services like product labeling and kitting are likely to enhance its customer satisfaction. While injectables and surgical products remain its strength, PDPL is also focusing on oral and OTC products to meet market demands. Advanced discussions are underway with a reputed listed manufacturer for exclusive C&F services with the goal of expanding its reach in the retail market, ensuring rapid growth and success.
“We are also planning to invite like-minded financial/ strategic investors/partners to strengthen our existing roots and to further enhance our service portfolio and to increase target customers, product portfolios, storage solutions, partnerships and new customer segments. We understand the importance of trust and transparency as an established and reputable organization and together, we can further empower human lives,” concludes Anil Kumar.
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