Droghandel

Droghandel, in the Dutch pharmaceutical context, refers to the wholesale trade of medicines and other pharmaceutical products. It involves purchasing medicines in bulk from manufacturers or authorized suppliers and distributing them to pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and other licensed buyers. As a middle tier of the pharmaceutical supply chain, it connects producers with points of care while ensuring availability and supply security.

Operations include procurement, warehousing, quality control, and distribution. Wholesalers maintain appropriate storage conditions, monitor expiry dates, manage inventory, handle returns and recalls, and provide services such as barcoding and traceability. They may also engage in import and export activities, regulatory compliance, and logistics optimization to ensure timely delivery.

Regulation and safety: The wholesale of medicines is subject to strict regulation to protect public health. In the EU and most jurisdictions, wholesalers operate under Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines, hold a wholesale license, and are inspected by health authorities. They must maintain detailed records, ensure product provenance, and support pharmacovigilance. Temperature-controlled products require validated cold chain processes.

Market characteristics and trends: The sector is typically dominated by a mix of large national distributors and smaller regional players. Consolidation, vertical integration with pharmacies or hospital networks, and the use of digital ordering platforms are common. Challenges include supply chain disruptions, counterfeit risks, regulatory changes, and maintaining product security and traceability.

In the Netherlands, the term droghandel specifically denotes the pharmaceutical wholesale trade regulated by national law and EU standards, reflecting the broader framework of pharmaceutical distribution in Europe while preserving country-specific practices.