GULF Pharmacy and General Store is gearing to supply and install medical equipment at the King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH).

This apart, it is handling the medical facility’s complete medical gas project, duly backed up with a speedy after-sales service.

“We have factory-trained engineers to provide after-sales and maintenance/emergency services within 24 hours, in case of a malfunction or failure,” says Reggie D’Souza, the general manager.

The company is geared to successfully provide full support to the project, thanks to its qualified and experienced engineers in the field who could work round the clock in case of an emergency.

Gulf Pharmacy and General Store is part of Gulf Corporation for Technology (GCT), a company that was started in 1945 and has now grown to a major specialist group achieving an annual turnover of $35 million and employing a workforce of 90 employees.

“In the pursuit of excellence in service, we have marched forward with a clear foresight and openness to new ideas and technology, while providing the best after-sales service for medical equipment on the island in terms of speed and customer satisfaction,” says D’Souza.

Dr Khalid Al Awadhi ... chairman and CEO of Gulf Pharmacy

Also part of GCT is Gulf Medical or the medical division, which is the backbone of GCT and Gulf Pharmacy and General Store. The division caters to the requirements of the medical, scientific and educational sectors, as well as professional institutions including hospitals, clinics, laboratories, universities, school and industrial units, among others. It supplies medical equipment, surgical dressings and disposables, dental equipment and supplies, diagnostic and laboratory equipment, laboratory furniture, imaging equipment, science and engineering educational equipment, hospital furniture, environment and research, and analytical and industrial equipment.

The medical division has a team of experienced and dynamic sales and service personnel to cater to various demands, from capital equipment to disposables and consumables. The team carries out market surveys, promotion, sales and services, including after-sales support such as installation, training, commissioning and maintenance. It also undertakes turnkey projects for setting up laboratories in schools, universities and health centres.

“Our long commitment and the trustworthiness created in our business dealings both with our customers and principals has resulted in an exclusive distribution network on the island for prestigious companies worldwide,” says D’Souza.
The medical division procures equipment from several principals from all over the world including Japan, the US, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, France, Austria, Italy, Kuwait and the UK.

Another subsidiary of GCT is Gulf Pharma or the pharmaceutical division, which consists of both retail and wholesale business. It is rated among the top companies in the industry with principals from around the world. The seven retail outlets of Gulf Pharmacy provide a wide range of derma cosmetics, health products as well as prescription products from reputed companies.

“Gulf Pharmacy is the one-stop shop for all medical needs and is one of the leading wholesale and retail pharmaceutical suppliers in the country. With a team of well-trained medical representatives, the division has grown from strength to strength,” says D’Souza.

Some of its suppliers include Arden Healthcare (UK), Baxter Export Corporation (US), Bioscreen (France), Dolorgiet Pharmaceuticals (Germany), Edward Geistlich Sons (Switzerland), Fidia Spa (Italy), Kaminomoto (Japan), Middle East Pharma (Jordan), Neopharma (UAE), Novocol Pharmaceuticals (Canada), Ranbaxy Laboratories (India), Sterop Pharma (Belgium), Lagap Pharmaceuticals (Switzerland), Rosemont Pharmaceuticals (UK), Torrent Exports (India), United Pharmaceuticals (Jordan) and Stallergenes (France).

In addition, Gulf Consumer or the consumer products division (CPD) is the leading distributor to all supermarkets, hotels, hospitals, small retail stores. Over its several years of operations, CPD has consolidated its position as the market leader in its sector.

It has an experienced sales team, well-established infrastructure (offices and warehouses) and professionally managed distribution network. The division’s greatest strength is its long association with leading international brands.

“Significant investment has been made over the years and continues to be made into maintaining the marketing equity of the brand portfolio,” says D’Souza.