Novartis: Making a difference

Novartis India is globally known for its quality medicines. The company has managed to save millions of lives across the globe through its innovative drugs. However, Novartis’ tryst with humanity is not limited only to its products. The company understands that it has duties to fulfill which would help in improving social well being.

Ranjit Shahani, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Novartis India, says, “At Novartis, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a top priority and like everywhere in the corporate world has moved from ‘want to do’ to ‘need to do’. We do everything we can to operate in a manner that is sustainable economically, socially and environmentally and in the best interests of the long-term success of our enterprise. This is a challenging endeavour and a key criterion is to take up projects where we have the ability to make a difference. Hence, the majority of our projects are in the area of health and education.”

Novartis is closely involved in several health awareness initiatives ranging from diabetes to organ donation and age related macular disorders. Novartis also conducts health awareness programmes in rural India through its social business arm Arogya Parivar which began in 2007. Arogya Parivar currently operates in 10 states across India.

“We do everything we can to operate in a manner that is sustainable economically, socially and environmentally and in the best interests of the long-term success of our enterprise.” Ranjit Shahani Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Novartis India

As far as India is concerned Novartis’ contribution towards social work is many times more than what the Government is expecting. Nothing needs to be said more about the company which spends billions of dollars for the well being of the society and promises to do so in future as well.

Given here is a list of some of the activities the company has undertaken as a part of its CSR initiatives either directly on its own or through funding by its parent company:

• Glivec International Patient Assistance Programme (GIPAP): This programme was set up by Novartis in late 2002 to provide access to Glivec to those patients suffering from a particular form of chronic myeloid leukaemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumours who could not afford the drug and were not reimbursed. GIPAP is administered by the Max Foundation, a non-profit organisation. More than 95 per cent of patients who are on Glivec in India receive the drug totally free of any charge while the balance are on a generous co-pay programme. Patients on GIPAP come from all over the country including the North-East. Currently, there are around 17,000 patients who are on GIPAP and receive Glivec completely free of charge. Since its inception in 2002, the company has distributed Glivec valued at more than $1.7 billion absolutely free of charge to patients enrolled under GIPAP.
• Novartis Comprehensive Leprosy Care Association (formerly known as Comprehensive Leprosy Care Project – CLCP): It was set up by the Novartis Foundation for sustainable development in 1989 provides patients access to treatment and disability management and facilitates physical and social care. Novartis is committed to eliminating leprosy from the world through its donation to WHO of Multidrug therapy (MDT) required to treat leprosy. Almost the entire global need of leprosy drugs is met through this donation by Novartis AG. India, with over 60 per cent of the world’s cases of leprosy, is the largest beneficiary of these drugs. In addition, the company is firm of the belief that people who are afflicted with leprosy need to be rehabilitated so that they can earn a living particularly in view of the stigma associated with the disease. The programme has covered states of Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and has benefited around 17,000 patients so far. 
• The Indian School of Business scholarship: A yearly scholarship of Rs 12 lakhs is divided among three needy women students with excellent academic credentials coming from middle class backgrounds. Novartis has been doing this for the last ten years. Further extensions will be considered at the end of the current five-year period. 
• Akanksha: Novartis has participated in the Standard Chartered marathon held since 2004 with a commitment that the amount donated goes to Akanksha for the education and health of underprivileged children. Employees are encouraged to volunteer time at this centre. For two years employees were involved in a mentor programme which helped raise satisfaction among employees who served as mentors.