Bayer is set to stop the distribution of pharmaceutical and consumer health products in East Africa to enhance service provision.
Starting May 1, 2024, the company’s pharmaceutical and health
products in East (Kenya and Ethiopia) and Anglo-West Africa (Ghana and Nigeria) will be distributed through a third-party distributor.
The approach is intended to simplify the entity’s value chain, reduce lead time between production and distribution, and thus reach more patients and customers, which it says will increase its footprint in Africa by extending access to medicines across the two regions.
“We have ambitious goals to reach more people as we strive to deliver on our Mission of Health for All, Hunger for None. We are calling this initiative ‘Smart Serve’, as it is intended to help reach and serve more people in Africa in a more sustainable manner.”
“We shall be leveraging the expertise and networks of a third-party distributor to ensure sustained availability and access of our products and solutions“ notes Jorge Levinson, Cluster Lead for the Pharmaceuticals Division in South East and West Central Africa.”
Jorge explained that the move will enhance access to the company’s products.
“Through this approach, we strongly believe that Bayer will be better positioned to accelerate access to our health solutions, especially in family planning, cardiovascular, ophthalmology, self-care as well as OTC (over the counter) therapeutic areas.”
Bayer will outsource transportation, local warehousing, distribution, and
customer support to a third party.
As the third-party distributor will handle the distribution, the Bayer legal entities in the East and Anglo-West Central Africa countries will continue to handle business-related corporate affairs including medical affairs, media relations, and stakeholder management.
How will Bayer leaving the distribution business affect jobs?
Bayer has acknowledged that leaving the distribution of its products to third party entities will affect jobs.
“We fully recognize the potential impact this will have on the current model, including our people. We do not underestimate the possible disruption, and we aim to minimize its effects where possible, remaining committed to always treat everyone with respect, dignity, and care,” said Michael Meewes, Cluster Lead for Consumer Health in South East West Africa.
What pharmaceutical and consumer health products does Bayer offer?
Bayer offers various products, including pharmaceutical and non-prescription consumer health products.
The pharmaceutical product line includes:
- Prescription products, especially for cardiology and women’s healthcare
- Specialty therapeutics in oncology, hematology, and ophthalmology
- Radiology: contrast-enhanced diagnostic imaging equipment and the necessary contrast agents
On the non-prescription consumer health product line, the company offers solutions for various areas, including dermatology, nutrition, analgesics, digestive health, allergy, cough and cold, and cardiovascular risk prevention.
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