PC Pharma, a fully owned subsidiary of PCH holdings was recently conferred with ISO 9001:2000 certification, the most essential standard for adopting and implementing the required standards in their organization while stream lining the systems and processes. PC Pharma (PCP) is the first Sri Lankan pharmaceutical company to obtain this credit from the ISO.   

ISO 9001:2000 certification is awarded to companies that meet ISO requirements in systems & processes, management, resources, control mechanisms and remedial activities.

 Mr. Dilshad Ikram, General Manager of PC Pharma said, “From the initial stages of operations, we wanted our company to be ISO certified; therefore, the initial groundwork started about a year ago. We applied for ISO 9001 certification few months back, and it was easy to meet the ISO standards as the practices and process, which had been adopted by PCP from its very inception, were systematic. Consequently, PCP was able to fit into the ISO system easily. Before issuing the certificate the company, its systems, procedures, staff, practices, etc were audited twice by the agents, appointed by ISO international.  It was a matter of fine-tuning our operation after the first audit. This is why the adoption process was easier for us.”  Ikram further stated that this achievement was a combined effort of the management, the process owners and the staff of the company. 

“With the ISO recognition we are well set to strategically expand our operations further and are planning to partner with some of the internationally acclaimed pharmaceutical manufacturers in the world to bring down some new niche molecules to Sri Lanka which are specific to cardiac, Central Nervous System (CNS) and allergy treatment. At the moment we are conducting a feasibility study to set up a drug manufacturing plant in Sri Lanka that will revolutionize the local pharmaceutical industry.” said Ikram.

L-R: Hemantha Weerasinghe, Country Manager ? TUV Lanka Private Limited, Sri Lanka branch of TUV-SUD Germany, handing over the ISO certificate to Dilshad Ikram, General Manager - PC Pharma

 Due to the strong customer orientation, relationship building skills and networking capabilities PC Pharma has managed to develop a good rapport with doctors, pharmacists and end customers alike.  Ikram further stated that with the obvious streamlining processes ISO certification brings in, PC Pharma would be able to cater to the needs of the pharmaceutical industry with improved efficiency, by making the right drugs available in right quantities at the right places.  
    
PC Pharma has carved a niche for itself in the local market and is fast becoming a strong player in the pharmaceutical industry of Sri Lanka. Its portfolio includes western products and formulations sourced from reputed suppliers across the globe.  PC Pharma’s operations in Sri Lanka has grown in leaps and bounds since they started 1 ½ years ago. So far, their retail operation together with Keells Supermarkets has grown exceptionally well and their very own Suwamedura, which specializes in rehabilitation equipment, is proving to be the most preferred among the respective target group.   

PC Pharma is a subsidiary of the heavily diversified PCH Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd. that has ventured into other sectors such as computer assembling, hardware and software, office automation, consumer electronics, audio visual, restaurant, automobiles and property development.