Opella Healthcare, trading as Sanofi Consumer Healthcare, recently signed a dual partnership agreement with Alliance Healthcare and Phoenix Healthcare
Distribution for the wholesale supply of its consumer healthcare products to community pharmacies throughout the United Kingdom.
The new dual pharmacy wholesale partnership model, which became effective on 1 February 2024, underscores Sanofi's commitment to delivering exceptional customer
service to its customers, the company said in a press release.
The groundbreaking collaboration is expected to enhance operational efficiency as part of the company's go-to-market model, facilitating improved service levels
and stock availability of key products, including Cialis® Together, Allevia®, Buscopan®, Dulcolax®, and Phenergan, to community pharmacies in the UK.
Nick Linton, head of UK country operations, Sanofi Consumer Healthcare, said that the company is committed to supporting the "self-care agenda" in the UK.
"Making healthcare as simple as it should be to bring health and wellbeing to all is a key priority for us in 2024 and beyond," he commented.
Opella Healthcare, trading as Sanofi Consumer Healthcare, said it has entered into a dual partnership agreement with Alliance Healthcare and Phoenix
Healthcare Distribution for the wholesale supply of its products to UK pharmacies.
In effect from the start of February, the new dual partnership will ensure Sanofi Consumer Healthcare 'continues to provide its customers with exceptional
customer service', the company said, adding that the increased efficiency will facilitate improved service levels and stock availability of Cialis Together,
Allevia, Buscopan, Dulcolax and Phenergan to community pharmacies in the UK.
"At Sanofi Consumer Healthcare we are committed to supporting the self-care agenda in the UK," Nick Linton, head of UK country operations, commented.
"Making healthcare as simple as it should be to bring health and wellbeing to all is a key priority for us in 2024 and beyond. Our new wholesale model reflects our
deep commitment to working as efficiently as possible in close partnership with pharmacists to shape a healthier future."
Medical tourism is growing by leaps and bounds as people realize the benefits of cost saving and the excellent treatment they receive in countries other than their own. People from the CIS, for instance, had to look to European countries like Germany, France, and the UK for treatment and in all these countries the treatment is expensive not to speak of stay and travel. Asian countries like India, Thailand and Sri Lanka are proving to be the better alternatives. The deterrent is how to find the best facility at the best cost and proceed. This is where a healthcare facilitator steps in and takes care of everything much to the relief of the patient and his family.
The vital bridge
Healthcare facilitators act as the vital bridge between the patient and the treatment facility that matches their needs. If you are in the US, UK, Australia, the CIS countries or in any African country and wish to find the best facility in India, for instance, the facilitator is the one to get in touch with. They maintain a database of hospitals and surgeons across the country, know their specialization and how much treatment can cost. Healthcare facilitators put you in touch with a medical institution that will give the best in terms of quality of treatment and cost. They do this by first going through your medical records and getting their panel of medical experts to match the ailment with a hospital. Patients get the benefit of expertise and save time and a great deal of money in the process. Patients receive invaluable assistance in:
* Travel to the hospital
* Scheduling appointments
* Recommendations so that they receive personalized care
* Supervision by the facilitator's own doctor to ensure that everything is being done right and, if not, patients may be switched to another hospital
* Assistance with documentation and paperwork
* Assistance with the procurement of medications
* Negotiating the best rate with a discount for stay and treatment
* Assistance to fam
Medical tourism is growing by leaps and bounds as people realize the benefits of cost saving and excellent treatment they receive in countries other than their own. People from the CIS, for instance, had to look to European countries like Germany, France and the UK for treatment and in all these countries the treatment is expensive not to speak of stay and travel. Asian countries like India, Thailand and Sri Lanka are proving to be the better alternatives. The deterrent is how to find the best facility at the best cost and proceed. This is where a healthcare facilitator steps in and takes care of everything much to the relief of the patient and his family.
The vital bridge
Healthcare facilitators act as the vital bridge between the patient and the treatment facility that matches their needs. If you are in the US, UK, Australia, the CIS countries or in any African country and wish to find the best facility in India, for instance, the facilitator is the one to get in touch with. They maintain database of hospitals and surgeons across the country, know their specialization and how much treatment can cost. Healthcare facilitators put you in touch with a medical institution that will give the best in terms of quality of treatment and cost. They do this by first going through your medical records and getting their panel of medical experts to match the ailment with a hospital. Patients get the benefit of expertise and save time and a great deal of money in the process. Patients receive invaluable assistance in:
* Travel to the hospital
* Scheduling appointments
* Recommendations so that they receive personalized care
* Supervision by the facilitator's own doctor to ensure that everything is being done right and, if not, patients may be switched to another hospital
* Assistance with documentation and paper work
* Assistance with procurement of medications
* Negotiating the best rate with discount for stay and treatment
* Assistance to family members
The STADA Health Report 2024, published today, has revealed a significant decline in satisfaction with national healthcare systems across Europe, with a
notable drop seen in the UK, Germany, and Kazakhstan.
According to the report, satisfaction with the UK's healthcare system dropped sharply by 11 percentage points in just one year, falling from 67 percent in 2023
to 56 percent in 2024, likely fuelled by "post-pandemic pressure on the National Health Service (NHS)." In 2020, satisfaction stood at 85 percent before declining
to its current level.
In terms of discontentment over healthcare, Britain is followed closely by Kazakhstan and Germany, where satisfaction fell by 10 and 8 percent respectively in
one year.
The 10th annual health report released by global healthcare leader STADA Arzneimittel AG, the parent company of Thornton & Ross, is based on a survey of over
46,000 respondents aged 18 to 99 across 32 countries, with around 2,000 respondents in each country.
A continuous decline in satisfaction levels has been observed since 2021. Overall satisfaction with healthcare systems in Europe was recorded at 74 percent in
2020, just before the pandemic. This figure dropped to 71 percent in 2021, 64 percent in 2022, and 61 percent in 2023.
Being able to access high-quality healthcare at the times you need it most is vital. Regardless of whether this is a simple check-up, a medical review or
complex surgery, having a suitable healthcare package designed according to your medical needs will be beneficial in the long run.
The NHS has recently come under significant strain. Factors such as an increase in the number of patients, reduced funding and increased life expectancy have led to
long waiting times and limited treatments.
As a result, more individuals are now seeking private healthcare which, while it may be more expensive, offers faster and more effective treatment. Here we'll discuss
some of the main benefits of private healthcare and why it is becoming the ideal choice for healthcare in 2023.
Reduced waiting times
One of the main issues faced by the NHS is waiting times, with some patients being made to wait up to a year for routine hospital care. Currently, ambulance services
and A&E units are under unprecedented pressure and it is estimated that hundreds of deaths each week are associated with admission delays.
Understaffing has been a chronic issue in recent years in the NHS and is a major threat to the welfare of patients. This has been one of the major concerns that has
led to nurses and ambulance staff taking strike action. As nurses and hospital workers are put under higher strain, they are more likely to make mistakes, which
could well lead to patients coming into harm and making a claim.
Opting for private healthcare guarantees that you are able to access your appointments, surgeries and treatments much quicker, with some flexibility offered to align
with your lifestyle. The capacity to bypass the painfully long waiting times ensures you receive the necessary medical attention much sooner and could prevent the
emergence of other health complications.
Global logistics company, JAS has received the Wholesale Distribution Authorisation (WDA(H)) license from the UK's Medicine and Healthcare Products
Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for its Pharma and Healthcare Division.
In a press release issued on Thursday (22 February), the company said that securing the license empowers its UK healthcare division to "seamlessly connect" with
its more than 40 GDP (Good Distribution Practice) certified overseas stations, strengthening its capabilities for handling pharmaceutical shipments.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, the company boasts a team of over 7,000 professionals, with operations spanning over 100 countries.
Adrian Frodsham, Regional Director for JAS, said that they were granted the WDA(H) license after a "stringent audit process."
"JAS UK's pharma and healthcare division prides itself of offering innovative solutions for the international delivery of pharmaceutical products, further
enhancing the growth of our pre-established healthcare division," he added.
Alliance Healthcare UK has won a 'special achievement' award for its work during the Covid-19 pandemic at the Logistics UK Awards 2021.
The pharmaceutical wholesaler and it's subsidiary, Alloga UK - a specialist provider of supply chain solutions for healthcare manufacturers - received the 'Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Response to Covid' at an event held in central London on Thursday, December 9, 2021 - beating off stiff competition from a number of high profile challengers.
Alliance Healthcare's new managing director Marie Evans said: "I am delighted that our business and team of 6,000 colleagues have been recognised at this level for our contribution to the fight against Covid-19. Our main aim over this unprecedented period is to support the NHS, pharmacy and all UK patients, and this award is true recognition for all of that hard work and dedication."
The special award category was open to an individual or organization that demonstrated an outstanding response to the pandemic in 2020 within the logistics sector and included seven other nominees including the likes of National Highways, Hermes UK and Yodel.
Following a period of prolonged uncertainty, the Competition and Markets Authority has given its approval to Bestway Healthcare's acquisition of Lexon
UK and Asurex. The company expects the transactions to be finalised in the upcoming months.
In April, Bestway, the owner of Well Pharmacy, acquired Asurex Limited and Lexon UK Holdings, along with the 44-community pharmacy chain Norchem Group, known as
Knights Pharmacy. However, in June, the CMA raised competition-related concerns about the transaction, citing worries that the acquisition could lead to a
significant decrease in competition among retail pharmacies across 12 areas in Liverpool and the northeastern region of England.
The CMA had asked undertakings from Bestway Healthcare due to competition concerns affecting specific branches of Knights Pharmacy within the acquisition. In
July, the CMA indicated its readiness to approve the deal, contingent upon Bestway's completion of the required divestments.
According to Bestway Healthcare, This matter has been successfully resolved, as Bestway Healthcare has consented to the sale of seven pharmacies in Liverpool and
the northeastern region of England. "The impacted Well pharmacies are situated in Seaham, Bishop Auckland, Kenton, High Howden, Stockton, Moreton, and Pensby.
Buyers for all seven branches have been identified and contracts have been signed."
The UK must act swiftly to fend off competition if it wants to build the world's leading life sciences sciences hub, a new report suggests.
A year on from the launch of the government's life science vision, the report commissioned by the the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry said
although achieving the ambition remained feasible, the UK would need an attractive business environment because its competitor countries were becoming more adept
at attracting investment.
To achieve the ambition of the vision, the PwC-produced report suggested raising pharmaceutical R&D investment in the UK to build a 'stronger manufacturing and
research infrastructure', alongside better investment in, access to and uptake of innovative medicines.
It said the UK would also need to adopt a renewed approach to the priority healthcare challenges identified in the government's 'Life Science Vision', which would
mean cutting the overall burden on health of dementia, cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory disease and mental health.
The report quantified the size of the prize if the vision was implemented in full and the UK could emulate the successes of leading EU countries, which included:
£68 billion in additional GDP over 30 years, owing to increased R&D investment
£16.3 billion additional annual GDP from increased pharmaceutical exports
Supporting 85,000 additional jobs
Up to 40 per cent decrease in disease burden across the whole UK - for areas like cardiovascular disease, mental health conditions and Cancer.
Reduced variation in speed of access to new medicines within three months of licensing for all NHS patients.
Global consumer healthcare company Haleon has launched a new centre of excellence for a global leader in consumer health which will bring together world leading
academics in human behaviour and frontline healthcare professionals including community pharmacists.
Unveiled at the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Congress in 'sunny' Seville, Spain on September 20, the Centre will operate as a community of healthcare
professionals and specialists in behavioural science, health psychology and the social sciences to solve some of the most pressing everyday health challenges.
Named the Centre for Human Sciences (CHS) the initiative will be the first major programme for healthcare professionals since the Haleon's launch on July 18 as an
independent, global leader in consumer health.
The Centre's mission is to support practising health professionals - pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and dental professionals - in serving their patients and
communities. Combining science with deep human understanding, CHS will bring expertise in physiology together with human sciences to deliver real world-solutions
and tangible interventions, resulting in measurable improvements in health outcomes through sustained behavioural change.
The Centre is facilitated by Robert Horne, professor of Behavioural Medicine at UCL School of Pharmacy, who started his career as a practising pharmacist but later
chose to become a behavioural scientist when he saw an opportunity to address issues around psycho-social factors that acted as a hindrance in pharmacy practice.
Speaking to me in an exclusive three-way conversation alongside Tess Player, the global head of healthcare professional & health influencer marketing at Haleon, on
the sidelines of the FIP Congress 2022, Prof Horne expanded on what the Centre was all about and how it would work.
"We've got some good ideas, but it's not a pre-filled prescription that we're going to deliver at scale from the start. What Haleon is t
Pharmacy professionals to be included as key stakeholders in the implementation, delivery and evaluation of a wide range of genomic services, said the Royal
Pharmaceutical Society (RPS).
RPS's statement has been developed in collaboration with pharmacy organisations who have co-badged the report, such as the British Oncology Pharmacy Association,
the UK Clinical Pharmacy Association, Association of Pharmacy Technicians and the College of Mental Health Pharmacy.
It looks at current and future roles for pharmacy professionals in genomic medicine across many aspects of practice such as person-centred care and collaboration,
professional practice, education, leadership, management and research.
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in the UK have already established roles in the application of genomic medicine in some areas of practice, such as antimicrobial
stewardship and infectious diseases, and the management of certain genetic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis.
The society believes, the current role of pharmacy professionals in genomics can be expanded upon in the future to both lead and support many relevant aspects of
genomic implementation. These are described across all healthcare sectors, within the Genome UK strategy produced by the UK Government, and within the implementation
plans published in England, Scotland and Wales.
Lead for Pharmacogenomics at RPS Sophie Harding said: "Pharmacy professionals are the gatekeepers of medication safety and efficacy across all areas of healthcare.
They are skilled at interpreting complex scientific data and use evidence-based medicine to maximise the benefits of treatments for patients, whilst supporting
shared decision-making with patients and the multidisciplinary team.
Bas Vorsteveld, who was made vice president and general manager for Great Britain & Ireland (GBI) in November last year, is joined by Monica Michalopoulou as GBI marketing director and Onyeka Anugwom as GBI commercial excellence director GSK Consumer Healthcare.
He took over from Jonathan Workman, who held the position from 2018, and has now moved into the role of Business Unit general manager for Northern Europe.
Vorsteveld, who has 15 years' industry experience, played at major part in the merger of Novartis and GSK consumer healthcare businesses. Most recently, he held
the role of VP & head of commercial excellence EMEA LATAM at GSK Consumer Healthcare, where he spearheaded international sustainability initiatives.
Commenting on his new role, Vorsteveld said: "I am incredibly honoured to have been a part of GSK Consumer Healthcare's journey to date and it is our collective ambition to deliver better everyday health with humanity for our customers, with a laser focus on 'self-care'.
"The recent pandemic has shown us that healthcare matters more now than ever before for our consumers. We want to redefine the role that self-care plays in people's lives, because it can bring long-term benefits for individuals and society, and is a key component of a sustainable healthcare system.
In recent years, the healthcare sector has seen a significant transformation driven by the rapid advancement of technology. From improved patient care to
streamlined administrative processes, technology has become an indispensable part of modern healthcare. As medical facilities worldwide embrace these innovations,
it's essential to understand why the sector leans so heavily on advanced technological solutions. Below are seven key reasons illustrating the crucial role of
technology in healthcare.
Enhanced Radiology Workflows
Advancements in technology have revolutionized radiology workflows, making the process more efficient and accurate. Digital imaging technologies, such as
PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) and RIS (Radiology Information Systems), allow for the seamless storage, retrieval, and sharing of medical
images. The specialists AbbaDox say that this reduces the time needed to diagnose and treat patients, significantly improving the overall efficiency of radiology
departments. Additionally, AI-powered tools can assist radiologists by highlighting potential areas of concern within images, ensuring that abnormalities are not
overlooked. These improvements contribute to faster, more accurate diagnoses and better patient outcomes.
Salrook Healthcare, a family-run pharmacies in Chester has sold its two well-established community pharmacies named Westminster Park Pharmacy on Castle Croft
Road and Owen's Chemist on Chester Street. Together, they dispense circa 13,000 items per month.
The business has been owned by the Persaud family since 2014 and was recently brought to the market as a retirement sale. Following a confidential process with
Christie & Co, it has been purchased by Aqib Sheikh, an existing operator with a pharmacy in Walsall, West Midlands. Aqib plans to enhance the business's service
offering and grow his portfolio in the region.
Chloe Yadav (nee Persaud), previous owner of Salrook Healthcare Limited, comments, "As a family, we are delighted to have completed the sale of the business to Aqib.
Whilst we will miss our team who have become like family, it is good to know that the two sites have been acquired by a forward- thinking Pharmacist who will enhance
the offering to the benefit of the patients and the community which they serve. My family and I wish Aqib and the whole team the very best of luck with the future."
Aqib Sheikh, new owner of Salrook Healthcare Limited, comments, "I am delighted to have inherited such a well-run and profitable pair of pharmacy businesses in the
charming city of Chester. I'd like to wish John Persaud the very best with his retirement and look forward to building on the work of the Persaud family."
GSK Consumer Healthcare has recently unveiled a three-year programme to support the pharmacy profession with additional practical resources, mental health provisions and proposed policy changes as part of its new report Standing with Pharmacists in the Age of Self-Care.
The new report summarises findings from a roundtable hosted by GSK Consumer Healthcare in collaboration with the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) earlier this year, which convened the pharmacy community, policy experts, and industry leaders to discuss the critical role of pharmacy in the age of self-care following the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We've seen Covid-19 have a significant impact on consumers' understanding of self-care, leading to an increased focus on wellbeing and everyday healthcare. During this time, pharmacies played a vital role in providing care and advice to their patients - particularly with many other health facilities closed. Our research shows that more than half of Europeans are planning to consult their pharmacist more often than before the pandemic. Yet in general, pharmacists remain under-utilised, despite being the most widely distributed health resource in Europe," said Tess Player, global head of expert at GSK Consumer Healthcare.
Walgreens Boots Alliance, the parent company of Boots UK, has begun a strategic review of its business in the United Kingdom, chief executive officer Rosalind Brewer said on Tuesday (January 11) - as the pharmacy chain tries to renew its focus on US healthcare.
Boots has over 2,200 stores across the UK, which include pharmacies, health and beauty stores, among others, according to the chain's website.
"This review is very much in line with our renewed priorities and strategic direction. In particular, our increased focus on US healthcare. While the process is at an exploratory stage, we do expect to move quickly," Brewer said at the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference.
The review comes at a time when the company, which was formed in 2014 after the acquisition of stake in Alliance Boots by Walgreens, moves beyond its drugstores with its investments in two smaller healthcare providers, CareCentrix and VillageMD.
Hobbs, who joined the company in 2019, navigated it through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and successfully oversaw the acquisition and integration
of Lexon in 2023. He will retire from the company at the end of September 2024.
"After five years with the company, I am retiring at the end of September to spend time with my wife who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year," Hobbs
said.
"I wish to extend my personal thanks to our owners, the Bestway Group, for their kindness and understanding of our situation.
"It has been a privilege to lead the Well Pharmacy, now Bestway Healthcare organisation. The business is resilient for today and fit to prosper in the long term.
When I leave it will be with gratitude and admiration for the 7,500+ people in Bestway Healthcare who are committed to improving the lives of our patients and
customers, thank you all."
McKesson UK has announced that it has changed its name to Hallo Healthcare Group.
This year, in April, European asset management group Aurelius completed the acquisition of McKesson UK.
Over recent years, the company has benefited from the introduction of additional services delivered across its more than 1,300 pharmacies, a growing digital
offering and the ability to support the increasing trend of primary care being delivered to patients in their home.
On Monday, the company posted on LinkedIn: "Today we have officially changed our name from McKesson UK to Hallo Healthcare Group. This marks our separation from
the McKesson Corporation and the start of our exciting new world under Aurelius Group ownership."
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has appointed Dekra to certify medical devices in the UK.
Dekra Certification UK has joined the three current UK approved bodies, increasing the UK's capacity to process conformity assessments for medical devices to ensure
safe and effective devices reach the UK public.
An approved body is an organisation that has been designated by the MHRA to assess whether manufacturers and their medical devices meet the requirements set out in
the UK Medical Devices Regulations 2002.
Following an appropriate assessment, the new approved body will issue relevant certification allowing manufacturers to place a UKCA marking on their products before
putting them on the market.
Dr Laura Squire, chief healthcare quality and access officer at the MHRA, said: "This is a major milestone in our mission to ensure patients across the UK have access
to the high-quality medical devices they need to protect their health.