By Alice Grace M. • 01 Sep, 2020 •

The meaning of IPY is linked to the values on which IPY Healthcare is based: ethics, excellence and innovation. The acronym IPY stands for "I Promise You". Also, IPY is the name of an ancient Egyptian goddess depicted as a hippopotamus, whose role was to protect childbirth. During a trip to Cameroon, one of the founders witnessed a pregnant women buying anti-nausea medication from a street vendor. Having witnessed the same situation on several occasions, the founders conceived of IPY Healthcare. The aim was simple; to supply high quality, affordable and safe medicines for all people. IPY Healthcare was created in 2016, thanks to the meeting of three like-minded people. It is now a European company with a global reach. IPY Healthcare aims to address several recurring problems in the supply and provision of medicines and healthcare across countries: lack of access, high costs, and inadequate controls on storage of medications. “We wanted to set up a company that markets quality products at an affordable price”, said Joseph Nama, one of the founders. By ensuring that the process followed by IPY Healthcare’s suppliers, partners, staff and manufacturers are of the highest standard and in line with the MHRA and FDA requirements. Currently, IPY Healthcare has offices in France, England and China, the latter of which are also distribution centres. Through a network with the United States, Canada and Brazil, this footprint allows IPY to supply easily anywhere in the world. Indeed, they can leverage knowledge and product availability from different parts of the world to better serve and supply their customers across both hemispheres. The company offers different services, including sourcing, wholesale and sale of medical devices. In order to fully satisfy and assure customers they are receiving the best products, IPY sources directly from manufacturers. In addition, IPY Healthcare's staff have the expertise and knowledge across global markets. IPY team members have worked for some of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, and have a very thorough knowledge of the drug cycle and marketing, with a combined 60 years of experience in medicine and pharmacy. IPY Healthcare product portfolio includes generic drugs, branded products, unlicensed and licensed products. We also rely on a network of specialist pharmaceutical companies to easily source and acquire medicines for unmet needs or rare diseases. IPY Healthcare’s global network has proven to be an essential tool in their clients’ fight against COVID-19. IPY teams are continuing to work closely with hospitals in the UK, Europe and Africa to help them overcome shortages. During this difficult period, marked by the shortage of certain consumables and medicines, IPY has assisted several hospitals to maintain their services and protect their staff. IPY Healthcare’s objective is to continue to improve this support and extend this assistance to hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa via their work with locals governments, institutes and NGOs. IPY Healthcare’s aim is to provide the best service to all spectrums of the population. By keeping the concern to improve people's health at the heart of IPY Healthcare’s business, their clients and partners can participate in the economic development of their countries.