The Israel Pharma & Medical Logistics (IPL) forum held a professional meeting hosted by UPS, focused on how to keep healthcare supply chains reliable. Dozens of people from pharmaceutical, medical equipment, import and export companies took part.

Global market picture

Gal Shacham, SVP Freight at UPS's Israeli franchisee, reviewed the main trends in the industry: mergers and acquisitions, currency swings, combined sea-air services and freight rates moving with global demand.

He also discussed changes to Panama Canal transits, security tension in the Middle East, and a new trade corridor linking the Gulf states with Israel through land crossings.

Fighting counterfeit medicines

Dr. Roni Barkovich, head of the Ministry of Health's Enforcement and Inspection Division, explained how the ministry protects the supply chain from fake products. He gave examples of smuggled goods seized at customs, joint work with international enforcement agencies, and raids on sites producing and selling counterfeit drugs.

Ready for emergencies

Other sessions covered how to approve suppliers during emergencies and how to keep the business running in a crisis or when flights are cut back.

Technology and packaging

A lecture looked at how artificial intelligence and AI agents can be used along the supply chain. Participants also saw temperature-controlled packaging and an air container designed for shipping medicines and biotech products.

The forum's message

IPL chairman Shai Chaimov thanked the Ministry of Health and UPS. He said geopolitical changes create operational limits, which is why regulation and logistics must work hand in hand.

What it means for importers

Importers of medicines and medical devices need reliable cold-chain partners, documented supplier approval for emergencies and full compliance with Ministry of Health and customs requirements to avoid seizures and delays.