06 COVER STORY
@ green | September-October , 2021
Protecting people and the environment
Duopharma Biotech aims to lead Malaysia ’ s green pharmaceutical initiative
BY FATIHAH MANAF
THE Covid-19 pandemic has kept the pharmaceutical industry as busy as a bee . However , the rising concern on climate change has made it clear that no sector is too busy to become green and sustainable .
The climate issue has led consumers and investors to become more aware of the importance of sustainability . It then urges stakeholders of all sectors to take necessary sustainable measures in their organisations .
Being a giant pharmaceutical manufacturer in the country , Duopharma Biotech Berhad showed no exception as it expressed its determination to champion sustainability .
“ Sustainability is something that Duopharma has pushed for quite a long time now ,” said Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar , the Group Managing Director of Duopharma Biotech Bhd , adding the initiative at the company started 30 years ago by ensuring that it provided a safe workplace for employees .
“ It then evolved into looking at how we fit as a member of the community and the contribution made towards it . It was before the UN Global Compact etc ., and before it was fashionable . So , in a way , Duopharma had a headstart to a certain degree because of our historical background .”
Duopharma Biotech ’ s commitment to sustainability has been acknowledged by many . As a result of its resilience in the area , the company has been included in the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index since June 2020 and awarded the Prime Minister ’ s Hibiscus Award for Notable Achievement in its environmental performance .
“ Our ESG rating has improved from 2.9 in 2020 to 3.2 in 2021 ,” added Leonard Ariff .
In going green , Leonard revealed Duopharma Biotech never compromised its priority in providing safe , quality healthcare . He mentioned the preference in providing such services was also part of Duopharma Biotech ’ s commitment to sustainability .
“ In Malaysia , we refer and adhere to the Current Good Manufacturing Practice ( cGMP ) and Good Distribution Practice ( GDP ) guidelines . These are advocated by the Pharmaceutical Inspection , Co-operation Scheme ( PIC / S ), International Council on Harmonisation ( ICH ) Guidelines for Pharmaceuticals , National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency ( NPRA ) GMP / GDP Guidelines and Eudralex to ensure the quality , safety and efficacy of our pharmaceuticals .
“ We also actively seek cGMP certification by the relevant authorities in our international markets . Thus , we continu-