GLSMED Trade SA is celebrating 10 years of activity – a decade of commitment, resilience, and growth in the medical device supply sector . The distribution company for products, equipment, and medical devices of Luz Saúde was established in 2014, with a centralized medical device operation serving the group. In January 2015, it received its first container, marking the start of international sourcing operations. The year 2020 was a true turning point. During the COVID-19 crisis, GLSMED responded swiftly, importing personal protective equipment and diagnostic tests from China. It supplied most hospitals and major companies in Portugal and expanded into Spain, which accounted for 35% of its turnover that year. It was an extremely demanding period but also a moment when, according to Pedro Lima, Director of Logistics and Operational Support at Luz Saúde, “we fully fulfilled our purpose – supporting the Luz Saúde group and many others through one of the greatest challenges of modern healthcare.” Since 2021, GLSMED Trade SA has expanded its operations, becoming a trusted partner in the distribution of medical devices to both public and private hospitals across the country. Today – according to its director – “we conduct global sourcing for 229 items (excluding sutures and surgical instruments), from 38 active suppliers in 11 different countries.” Over the past 12 months, the company has delivered products to 199 different postal codes, including 21 Luz Saúde units and 23 locations in Spain. Every day, it helps ensure the efficient operation of Luz Saúde hospitals. “Today we can integrate a new hospital or clinic in less than 24 hours,” says Pedro Lima, who concludes with a message: “These results were only possible thanks to the dedication, trust, and partnership of Luz Saúde, our teams, and our suppliers. This journey belongs to them as well,” assuring, “The future holds great opportunities to innovate, serve, and grow.” In addition to domestic suppliers, GLSMED works with international suppliers from countries such as Germany, China, Egypt, India, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom. All suppliers, as well as the products, equipment, and medical devices purchased by them, comply with relevant quality standards and are audited by international auditing firms. Alongside the hospitals and clinics of the Luz Saúde group, GLSMED TRADE SA’s clients are always end-users – other public or private healthcare providers and entities seeking to make donations.
