DHL Scales Healthcare Logistics with Singapore Expansion

DHL Group has announced the expansion of its life sciences arm—DHL Health Logistics—with the development of a €10 million Pharmaceutical Hub in Singapore. This investment bolsters regional Life Sciences and Healthcare (LSHC) infrastructure.

As a global leader in international logistics, DHL Express provides extensive network connectivity and operational expertise. In the life sciences and healthcare sector, the requirement for reliable and secure logistics continues to grow as global supply chains become increasingly complex.

Addressing the Growing Needs of a Modern Healthcare Supply Chain

The demand for specialised healthcare logistics is rising, driven by global health challenges, an ageing population, and the development of advanced therapies. In Singapore, the biomedical sector produces goods valued at nearly S$38 billion for global markets. The industry requires a health logistics infrastructure capable of accommodating the increasing volume and complexity of life-saving products distributed from regional hubs to the rest of the world.

In the modern healthcare supply chain, every step impacts patient well-being and critical research. Innovation in medical shipping is no longer optional; maintaining stringent temperature control for pharmaceuticals and navigating the regulatory demands of medical devices is critical.

By aligning with Singapore's strategic vision, DHL provides the precision and reliability to support scientific progress and ensure that products are handled as required by the healthcare ecosystem.

DHL's Reach in Life Sciences & Healthcare

DHL leverages an extensive global network spanning over 220 countries and territories to facilitate seamless international logistics. Through DHL Health Logistics and its services, the group utilises dedicated healthcare hubs and warehouses within a GDP-compliant infrastructure. This allows the group to support the global healthcare ecosystem with a combination of high-capacity transport and local handling.

Supported by a medical courier framework, DHL Health Logistics is optimised for urgent medical needs through priority delivery and time-definite collection schedule. All shipments are managed by certified specialists to ensure adherence to international healthcare standards and rigorous quality management certifications.

Setting Up the Next Vantage Point for Healthcare Logistics

DHL has strengthened its healthcare logistics capabilities in Singapore with the addition of the €10 million pharmaceutical hub, featuring specialised temperature zones and GMP-compliant infrastructure.

Located near Tuas Biomedical Park, this facility reinforces Singapore's position as a strategic hub for Asia-Pacific, offering efficient connectivity to Changi Airport and Tuas Mega Port. These investments are part of a broader commitment to invest €500 million into regional health logistics by 2030, supporting resilience in global healthcare supply chains.

Leaving a Positive Impact on Life Sciences

The expansion of DHL Health Logistics is intended to support improved patient outcomes by facilitating timely delivery of critical medicines and medical devices. By strengthening its infrastructure, DHL provides the reliability required for shipping medicine and healthcare products through every stage of the supply chain:

• Pharmaceutical Logistics: DHL maintains GxP compliance and operational efficiency through strategic investments like the new Singapore Pharma Hub, which manages demand surges and large-scale vaccine distribution.
• Clinical Trial Logistics: The network provides specialised handling for Investigational Medicinal Products (IMP) and biological samples, supported by a global infrastructure of GMP-compliant depots and temperature-monitored shipping.
• Medical Device Logistics: "Device Final Mile" facilitates the delivery of medical devices and equipment directly to healthcare facilities. Aftermarket support maximises equipment uptime by supplying spare parts and repairs.
• Speciality Pharmaceutical Logistics: DHL ensures cold chain integrity across a spectrum of requirements, from ambient to cryogenic (-196°C) environments, utilising real-time monitoring to mitigate risks for sensitive shipments.
• Consumer Healthcare Logistics: To maintain product availability, DHL utilises automation and omnichannel fulfilment to bridge the gap between manufacturers and retail platforms.
• Aid and Relief Logistics: Leveraging a global network and dedicated Control Towers, DHL provides rapid response capabilities and procurement expertise for humanitarian missions and disaster relief.