EBOS provides wholesale and distribution services and is an intermediary between suppliers and business users including pharmacies, healthcare institutions, veterinarian clinics and other professional care providers. In doing so, we deal with many local and international suppliers whose finished products we distribute. We also source ingredients for products we manufacture and use third-party manufacturers for some EBOS-owned brands.
Overview of our Supply Chain
• Medicines - In addition to sourcing from local companies, we source over-the-counter products and medical consumables from local branches of global manufacturers, including large pharmaceutical companies.
• Medical devices - We typically act as a distributor of overseas-based manufacturers of medical equipment and consumables.
• Own-brand products - We have a strong preference to source ingredients and materials for EBOS-owned products from local manufacturers. We also source inputs and finished products from overseas suppliers.
Ethical Sourcing Strategy
EBOS is committed to the highest standards of conduct and ethical behaviour in all business activities and to promoting and supporting a culture of honest and ethical behaviour and corporate compliance.
In FY23, we introduced our Ethical Sourcing Strategy with the aim of engaging with suppliers that are aligned to EBOS’ corporate values and ESG Program and minimising the risk of modern slavery in our supply chains.
EBOS has implemented new policies and procedures that underpin the Ethical Sourcing Strategy, which now apply to our engagement with suppliers:
• Supplier Code of Conduct: this code sets out EBOS’ expectations of suppliers in relation to compliance with laws, ethical behaviour, people and safety, environment, quality, privacy and data protection.
• Ethical Sourcing Policy: this policy describes specific requirements regarding ethical sourcing – for example in relation to no use of child labour, employee payments and anti-discrimination and harassment.
• Ethical Sourcing Strategy: this sets out the steps for our businesses to implement an effective and appropriate ethical sourcing program having regard to the nature and operation of those businesses.
This includes risk assessments of certain suppliers, using online due diligence tools and standard operating procedures and reporting templates. The roll-out of the strategy with EBOS’ business units is underway and is expected to continue into FY24. This includes training sessions on the use of online due diligence tools, such as Sedex, and the establishment of a working group for businesses to share their learnings on implementation of the strategy.