On Wednesday December 14th, the IDA headquarters in Amsterdam were visited by 18 students from the Royal Tropical Institute’s Master of Public Health course. To prepare them for their career in international public health, the internationally diverse group pays visits to organisations active within their field of study, such as IDA.

The section about supply of essential medicines was started by pharmacist Ron Wehrens from Phasuma (Pharmaceutical Supply Management consultancy for developing countries), with an overview of procurement and supply chain management of essential medicines to developing countries. Then the group was given a tour around IDA’s warehouse, with a stock of over 750 essential medicines.

Finally Michiel de Goeje, IDA’s Director Quality Affairs, gave a general insight into IDA’s business and explained our extensive quality assurance system. He said: “It is always very inspiring to discuss directly with people which issues they face. In addition, it takes the problem out of the office environment to experience not only theory but also how it can be put into practice.”