Rafed cements its procurement position with international CIPS Certification

UAE-based group purchasing organisation becomes among the first in the Middle East healthcare company to receive Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply accolade

Rafed, the UAE’s primary group purchasing organisation (GPO) for the procurement, supply chain management, storage and distribution of essential medical equipment pharmaceuticals, has received certification status from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) for Ethical Procurement and Supply.

The certification places Rafed among the first healthcare organisations in the Middle East to have received the international recognition, and was the result of almost 70 of Rafed’s procurement team undertaking more than 200 hours of training and examinations.

“This accolade further strengthens our position as a leading group purchasing organisation and reaffirms our founding principles based on ethical practices, strengthens our ongoing commitment to ethical practices, and reinforces our credibility,” said Rashed Saif Al Qubaisi, Chief Executive Officer of Rafed. “As a key resource of support for the UAE’s leading medical facilities, it is imperative that we operate to the highest standards and moral compass to support our customers and partners as we strive to further enhance the region’s medical procurement sector.”

“Ethics and ethical practices are increasingly coming into question across the supply chain, requiring companies to evaluate their behaviours and sourcing channels,” said Sam Achampong, Regional Director, CIPS MENA. “In receiving this CIPS certification, Rafed has demonstrated its commitment to ethics in procurement, ensuring these practices are a firm cornerstone of its business operations. I congratulate the whole team for their unwavering efforts to achieve this recognition.”

This month marks Rafed’s first anniversary, which has seen the organisation play an integral role in the UAE’s distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations, and other essential pharmaceuticals and medical supplies both locally in the UAE and internationally.