Compliance and Ethics: The Foundation of Healthcare Logistics

In healthcare logistics, efficiency cannot be separated from regulatory and ethical compliance. Pharmaceutical logistics centers must operate under strict parameters that guarantee product traceability and safeguard the integrity of the entire process. For companies in Guatemala—especially those supplying the public sector or handling critical medications—this means adopting best practices aligned with both national and international regulations.

Internal manuals, certifications such as Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), continuous monitoring, and anti-corruption policies are essential to protect not only the supply chain but also the trust of the healthcare sector.

What Compliance Requires in Logistics Centers

Compliance in logistics centers goes far beyond physical inventory control. It involves governance and oversight structures that prevent operational, legal, and reputational risks. Best practices include:

• Complete product traceability, from receipt to final delivery.
• Controlled access with biometric identification in sensitive areas.
• Anti-corruption policies aligned with laws such as Guatemala’s Law 31-2012 and the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
• A corporate ethics and conduct manual, mandatory for all employees.
• Ongoing training in compliance, auditing, and good distribution practices.

These actions not only guarantee the quality of logistics services but also strengthen credibility in public bids and regulatory audits.

Agencias J.I. Cohen: Structural Ethics in Pharmaceutical Logistics

One company in Guatemala that has taken compliance to a professional level is Agencias J.I. Cohen, founded by Jack Irving Cohen and now led by Alberto Cohen Mory. Its pharmaceutical distribution center is equipped with advanced technology and a comprehensive compliance system.

The company has implemented:

• A code of conduct and ethics manual that applies across the entire organization.
• Traceability and control systems aligned with international standards.
• 24/7 surveillance, biometric access, and temperature monitoring for sensitive products.
• An organizational culture centered on compliance, integrity, and transparency.

This approach allows the company to operate with full credibility before both public institutions and private clients, reinforcing its reputation as a benchmark in regional healthcare logistics.

Storing Ethics Along with Medicines

In the healthcare sector, a logistics center is not just about moving products—it must also protect lives and uphold principles. Companies like Agencias J.I. Cohen prove that compliance is not merely an external requirement, but an internal policy that should guide every decision.