Healthguard Distribution achieves ISO 9001:2015 and GDP certifications across all regional centers

Healthguard Distribution, the fully-fledged pharmacy distribution arm of Sunshine Holdings PLC, recently obtained both the ISO 9001:2015 and Good Distribution Practices (GDP) certifications for all seven of its regional distribution centers across Sri Lanka. These certifications, awarded by Bureau Veritas Sri Lanka, is a testament to Healthguard Distribution’s unwavering commitment to the quality management standards across its importation, warehousing, and distribution operations.

ISO 9001:2015, granted by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), is a globally recognized quality management standard developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The certification provides a model for companies of all types and sizes to use in building an effective quality management system.

Additionally, the GDP certificate symbolizes Healthguard Distribution’s dedication to upholding quality standards in the pharmaceuticals supply chain. Bureau Veritas Lanka, accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS), has closely assessed and verified Healthguard Distribution’s processes, infrastructure, and practices to ensure compliance with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

Commenting on this milestone, Shantha Bandara, Chief Executive Officer of Healthguard Distribution said, “Achieving ISO 9001:2015 and GDP certification across all our regional centers is a testament to our dedication to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. These global accreditations reinforce our mission to deliver pharmaceutical products that meet the highest global standards while maintaining integrity and trust throughout the distribution process.”

The Integrated Quality Management System implemented by Healthguard Distriution ensures that its operations are customer-focused, meeting all client requirements as well as national and international statutory and regulatory standards. It also guarantees that pharmaceutical handling is conducted safely and in alignment with World Health Organization (WHO) Good Distribution Practices guidelines, ensuring quality and compliance at every stage of the supply chain.

This achievement also underscores Healthguard Distribution’s commitment to the safety, efficacy, and integrity of every pharmaceutical product it handles. The company’s unwavering focus on quality management ensures that pharmaceuticals are stored and distributed with the utmost care, maintaining their potency and safeguarding patient well-being. 

Leveraging on the strength of its diversified parent company, Sunshine Holdings, Healthguard Distribution is the first Distribution-as-a-Service (DaaS) pharmaceutical model to be rolled out by a Sri Lankan healthcare company. It serves as a regulatory-compliant island-wide distributor for all health and wellness products, meeting the requirements of relevant regulatory authorities and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The company provides a service that would eliminate complexity and help pharmaceutical and consumer brand companies focus on their core competence, thus ensuring the industry’s overall prosperity. 

Looking ahead, Healthguard Distribution remains focused on expanding its sales and distribution capabilities and looks forward to partnering with both local and international pharmaceutical companies. With its extended capacities, island-wide reach, and enhanced service levels, the company is well positioned to support manufacturers seeking a reliable, compliant, and scalable distribution partner in Sri Lanka.