GDP stands for Good Distribution Practice. GDP is a set of regulations that must be observed and complied with when distributing medicinal products and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The aim of GDP is to maintain the quality of medicinal products (and active ingredients) along the distribution channel, e.g. from the manufacturer via the wholesaler to the pharmacy. Important aspects of GDP are storage and transportation. GDP is becoming more and more important as supply chains are becoming increasingly complex. On the other hand, it is important to prevent counterfeit medicines from entering the legal supply chain. The rules of GMP, Good Manufacturing Practice, only lead to high-quality medicinal products for patients if the corresponding regulations for distribution, GDP, also play their part.
To maintain product quality in the distribution channel, it is important that all persons involved in distribution, e.g. storage and transportation, comply with GDP regulations. This also applies to employees of external companies. Outsourcing, i.e. the outsourcing of activities to third parties, is particularly widespread in the GDP environment. Among other things, employees must know all the instructions and regulations they need for their work. Each individual must understand the impact their own work can have on the quality of medicinal products. This knowledge and understanding must be conveyed through training.
