Darias highlights the role played by the logistics sector in the success of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign

During the inauguration of Alliance Healthcare's new corporate headquarters and logistics centre in Viladecans (Barcelona), Darias recalled how, thanks to companies like this one, Spain has been a leader in vaccination both among the most populous countries of the European Union and among the G20 powers.

An achievement, the Minister for Health stressed, that would not have been possible without the "determination and commitment" of all parties involved. At this point, Darias praised the important effort made by Alliance Healthcare in distributing vaccines, which has favoured simultaneous distribution and has allowed the campaign to advance in an equitable manner.

As explained by company officials, Alliance Healthcare will cover the distribution line for cryogenic drugs used in vaccines or treatments for COVID-19 from the Viladecans plant. Thus, the new facilities have the capacity for activities carried out at temperatures of 15-25ºC and 2-8ºC as well as those involving secondary manipulations of medicines.

The Minister for Health also praised the work carried out by the company during the months of lockdown to keep the entire distribution chain for medicines and health products operational, preventing shortages.

"This work is undoubtedly essential," stressed Darias, who also emphasised the importance of public-private collaboration in the fight against the pandemic. "If we have learned anything in recent times, it is that together we are stronger," she said.

Finally, the Minister for Health highlighted the increase in storage and distribution capacity, as well as the start-up of the clinical trial support services that the new Alliance Healthcare facilities in Viladecans will entail; a centre which she said will also provide a significant boost to the R&D&I sector, research teams, pharmaceutical laboratories and the National Health System.

The Minister for Health was joined at the inauguration ceremony for Alliance Healthcare's new corporate headquarters and logistics centre in Viladecans by the Minister for Business and Employment for the Government of Catalonia, Roger Torrent; the Managing Director of the company in Spain, Javier Casas; Steve Collis, CEO of Amerisourcebergen; and the Mayor of Viladecans, Carles Ruiz, to name but a few.

Non official translation