ALPHA PHARM

ALPHA PHARM

Care, service and value

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South Africa’s Pharmaceutical Custodian Alpha Pharm continues to serve the medical and care needs of millions of South African citizens through its 920-strong network of pharmacies Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Lewis Bush

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outh Africa’s pharmaceutical industry is big business.

A recently released report by Research and Markets found that the sector contributed somewhere between R42.6 and R45 billion to the country’s economy in 2016, this revenue generated by 276 companies officially licensed by the Department of Health and the Medical Controls Council.

One such company is Alpha Pharm.

Headquartered in Centurion, it is the largest wholesaler of pharmaceutical goods in South Africa, distributing an enormous portfolio of products via sites spread around the country.

This wholesale operation supports Alpha Pharm’s group of independent community pharmacies, the largest of its kind in South Africa at 920 outlets.

Thousands of the products sold to the public through the pharmacy network are Alpha Pharm’s own brand, for

example Alpha Clin. From bathing and burn care solutions to first aid essentials and personal hygiene products, the full spectrum of goods can be sourced and sold to those in need.

In terms of health services, Alpha Clin Clinics provide a range of care and treatments, including family planning, injections, wound care, blood pressure tests, pregnancy services and more.

One company, 920 pharmacies

At the end of 2014, the South African Competition Commission approved a crucial merger which saw Alpha Pharm’s group of regional pharmaceutical distributors merge into the single company it operates under today.

Having received a R350 million investment from Swiss firm Shogun Holdings und Finanz for 51 percent of the new entity, the structure sees the remaining 49 percent of shares issued to the network of pharmacies.

PFIZER SOUTH AFRICA

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fizer South Africa, established in South Africa in 1953 with a motto of ‘living our full potential in striving for a healthier Southern Africa’, which embraces its dream of being able to see every Southern African having access to quality healthcare. Pfizer SA’s head office is in Sandton and is made up of three business units: Pfizer Innovative Health, Pfizer Established Health, and Consumer Health.

Pfizer Innovative Health (PIH) is committed to discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative products and vaccines that change the outcome of chronic conditions and devastating diseases.

Pfizer Essential Health (PEH) combines the history of industry leadership, comprehensive knowledge of global healthcare markets, and a vast portfolio of trusted, quality medicines to benefit patients around the world at virtually every stage of life.

Pfizer Consumer Health (PCH) develops, manufactures and markets leading nonprescription medicines, low risk medical devices (for external use) and health products (mainly supplements).

PFIZER SOUTH AFRICA 0860 Pfizer (734937) Physical Address: 85 Bute Lane Sandton 2146

www.pfizer.co.za

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PFIZER, DEDICATED TO HELPING SOUTH AFRICANS LIVE HEALTHIER LIVES

Our partnerships At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products. Our global portfolio includes medicines and vaccines as well as many of the world’s best-known consumer health care products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time.

For us, the patient always comes first We are committed to discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative products that may change the outcome of chronic conditions and devastating diseases. Our vast portfolio of trusted, quality medicines helps people at every stage of life – from prevention to treatment to wellness. Thanks to the breadth and depth of our global reach and capabilities, we are able to anticipate customer and patient needs and make a meaningful contribution to improving global health.

Our Innovation

Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world’s premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us.

Research and development (R & D) is at the heart of fulfilling our purpose to help people live healthier lives. Innovation is also the key to sustaining our growth and profitability. As such, the quest for innovative solutions invigorates the Pfizer community worldwide and we have more than 200 new R&D collaborations active worldwide.

Pfizer works closely with stakeholders and healthcare professionals across the healthcare sector, as well as with government on key issues impacting the pharmaceutical industry. We are committed to making a difference and build partnerships in communities to strengthen health systems, increase access to our medicines, and find sustainable solutions to the health challenges of today, and tomorrow.

Our communities At Pfizer we have a proud tradition of ensuring that the communities in which we live and work benefit from our investment through unique partnerships.

Throughout the world, Pfizer contributes to local charitable programmes that provide health care in poor urban and rural areas; and we support our communities’ most vulnerable members, including children, women and the elderly.

Pfizer’s corporate responsibility activities are focused on investing the full range of our resources - people, skills, expertise and funding - to broaden access to medicines and strengthen healthcare delivery for underserved people around the world.

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TIBB HEALTH SCIENCES LTD A heart for health and wellness

In a statement released at the time of the deal, Alpha Pharm said: “The formation of the national company is a major boost for the 900 independent community pharmacies that own 49 percent of the new shares and for the community pharmacy sector as a whole.

“The new Alpha Pharm will put all its energies into ensuring that its pharmacies compete in a market increasingly dominated by major retail chains.”

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Care, service, value

This is reflected by three core pillars that underpin Alpha Pharm’s current offering – ‘our special care’, ‘our better service’ and ‘our improved value’.

The first of these, care, revolves around how Alpha Pharm reacts to the needs of customers and their families through its experienced team of pharmacists, whose knowledge and caring interest is what the company champions as setting itself apart from the rest. Even by its own admission on Alpha Pharm’s website, “care seems to be one of those overused words that has lost its meaning or value”.

However, it claims to put the human touch back into care through its 920 pharmacies.

Service again relates to the expertise and knowledge of Alpha Pharm’s employees, whether it be filling scripts or offering advice regarding medicines or alternate therapies.

Helping to ensure its pharmacists are kept abreast of the latest scientific thinking in areas such as diabetes, asthma, malaria, HIV and depression, among others, is an education programme called Insight Medicine Information. Established for more than 25 years, Insight specialises in providing clinically relevant and practical

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Tibb has been inspired to nurture the human spirit – one body, one person and one nation at a time. At Tibb we are perfectly poised to see the health and wellness needs of a variety of people.

We care deeply about improving the lives of people who use our products (healthcare professionals, pharmacists and patients alike), therefore, our work is never done. We are confident to say that we are committed to providing the highest quality, clinically proven and uniquely formulated natural products. Our products are available in a variety of dosage forms for controlled effectiveness and ease of use. These dosage forms offer convenience for the whole family.

“Choosing Tibb is not just choosing a healthcare provider, it is choosing the right to a healthier, happier life.”

This winter, Tibb brings you a range of products aimed at keeping you, your customer and your family healthy and happy, naturally. The full Tibb winter range is available from your Alphapharm and will give you the natural boost you need this winter.

From preventing the flu with Septogard, to treating troublesome symptoms with Tibb Flu-relief, there is a Tibb solution available for all your winter woes.

Speak to your trusted pharmacist about the right Tibb solution for your winter ailment that is safe, affordable and offers superior treatment without side effect.

Trust that Tibb will improve the healthy balance in your body.

www.tibbherbals.com

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education courses for pharmacy workers which have developed by South African experts and tailored to the country’s healthcare guidelines and circumstances.

Furthering the claim of superior service, the Company has also just launched a new programme called Alpha Script across more than half of its pharmacies, a scheme which allows the store to receive doctor-prescribed orders.

‘...one of the key challenges facing South Africa’s pharmaceutical industry is improving access to affordable medicines and healthcare products and services’

Access to healthcare

Whether its provision of care or the price of its medicines, Alpha Pharm’s third pillar of success revolves around offering value.

Indeed, according to the Research and Markets report, ‘The Pharmaceutical Industry in South Africa 2017’, one of the key challenges facing South Africa’s pharmaceutical industry is improving access to affordable medicines and healthcare products and services.

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‘...the need to achieve more with fewer resources is apparent, but Alpha Pharm’s formidable network appears able to withstand economic ups and downs’

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Grasping every opportunity, not gasping for air IT’S THAT FIRST BREATH THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

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References: 1. Symbicord® Turbuhaler® 320:9 Inhaler Approved Package Insert, September 2012. 2. Symbicord® Turbuhaler® 80:4,5 and 160:4,5 Inhaler Approved Package Insert, September 2012. 3. Aalbers R, Backer TT, Omenaas ER, et al. Adjustable maintenance dosing with budesonide/formoterol compared with fixed-dose salmeterol/fluticasone in moderate to severe asthma. Current Medical Research and Opin 2004;20(2):225-240. 4. O’Byrne PM, Bisgaard H, Godard PP, et al. Budesonide/ Formoterol Combination Therapy as Both Maintenance and Reliever Medication in Asthma. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 2005;171:129-36.

S4 Symbicord® Turbuhaler® 80:4,5 μg/dose (Inhaler). Reg. No: 35/21.5.1/0404. S4 Symbicord® Turbuhaler® 160:4,5 μg/dose (Inhaler). Reg. No: 35/21.5.1/0405. Each delivered dose contains Budesonide 80/160 micrograms and formoterol fumarate dihydrate 4,5 micrograms. PHARMACOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION: A 21.5.1 Corticosteroids and analogues. INDICATIONS: Asthma: SYMBICORD® TURBUHALER® 80:4,5 and 160:4,5 μg/dose is indicated in the treatment of asthma in adolescents and adults where use of a combination (inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta-2-agonist) is appropriate. COPD: SYMBICORD® TURBUHALER® 160:4,5 is indicated in the regular treatment of patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with frequent symptoms and a history of exacerbations. Symbicord® and Turbuhaler® are registered trademarks of the AstraZeneca group of companies. For full prescribing information refer to the package insert approved by the medicines regulatory authority. S4 Symbicord® Turbuhaler®320:9 μg/dose (Inhaler). Reg. No: 38/21.5.1/0187. Each delivered dose contains Budesonide 320 micrograms and formoterol fumarate dihydrate 9 micrograms.

PHARMACOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION: A 21.5.1 Corticosteroids and analogues. INDICATIONS: Asthma: SYMBICORD® TURBUHALER® 320:9 μg/dose is indicated in the treatment of asthma in adolescents and adults needing inhaled corticosteroids where continued use of a high dose combination (inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta-2-agonist) is appropriate. COPD: SYMBICORD® TURBUHALER® 320:9 μg/dose is indicated in the regular treatment of patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with frequent symptoms and a history of exacerbations. Symbicord® Turbuhaler® are registered trademarks of the AstraZeneca group of companies. For full prescribing information refer to the package insert approved by the medicines regulatory authority.

AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd. Reg. No. 1992/005854/07. Building 2, Northdowns Office Park, 17 Georgian Crescent West, Bryanston, 2191. Private Bag X23, Bryanston, 2021, South Africa. Tel: 011 797-6000. Fax: 011 797-6001. www.astrazeneca.co.za. Expiry Date: December 2019. Activity ID: ZA – 1221.

Given the general economic picture, the need to achieve more with fewer resources is apparent, but Alpha Pharm’s formidable network appears able to withstand economic ups and downs. Such is the organisation’s size and resultant buying power, it is able to provide South Africans its vital healthcare products and services at affordable prices.

This process is also strengthened by a centralised procurement operation which handles major cost responsibilities such as stock purchasing, and setting up and renovating stores.

Do Good, Feel Great

Beyond supplying crucial medical products and services across South Africa, Alpha Pharm is also engaged in a campaign to positively spread its influence across society.

The Do Good, Feel Great Campaign is a competition with the stated aim to “invite voluntary participants to

enter who wish to make a difference and have a meaningful impact on the lives of those less fortunate in South Africa”.

The Company is inviting all South

African citizens above the age of 21 to enter, and 10 main winners will be selected to act as brand and community ambassadors for a year, working with a charity of their choosing. These charities will receive a R10,000 donation from Alpha Pharm, with the ambassador responsible for engaging multiple times throughout the year to see where the finance has been spent and what impact this has had on the community in question.

As an added bonus, the 10 winners will receive a new car courtesy of Alpha Pharm, the first year of which will see the Fiat Pandas wrapped with company imagery as a branding exercise.

By reaching out into the communities it serves, not only through its pharmacies and related services but also programmes such as Do Good, Feel Great, Alpha Pharm looks set to strengthen its status as a healthcare custodian across South Africa.

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Ground Floor, Block D Corporate Park 66, Corner Lenchen Avenue and Von Willich Avenue Centurion Gauteng South Africa Tel: +27 33 342 0074

www.alphasvr.co.za

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