Novartis scoops ABPI’s social responsibility award

Novartis, the Swiss pharmaceutical manufacturer, has won an award from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry for its high standards of corporate social responsibility.

The company was given the accolade after judges at the Scrip Awards felt that it had demonstrated a “long-term, high-level commitment” to furthering its social responsibilities.

In particular, the judges were impressed with Novartis’ 360 million pounds contribution in access-to-medicine projects around the world, helping to reach 6.5 million people. Additionally, the company has been active in the fight against diseases of developing world, such as malaria, tuberculosis and leprosy.

The ABPI’s director general, Dr Richard Barker, said that pharmaceutical industry has a record in corporate social responsibility of which it can be proud, citing the 2.5 billion pounds that has been given as assistance to developing countries.

“Novartis [has] provided an outstanding example of how the pharmaceutical industry can drive real change in global health.

“The ABPI feels strongly it is a core part of our mission to save and improve lives to ensure the poorest are not left behind,” he concluded.

Other candidates short-listed for the ABPI’s award included Novo Nordisk, for its Pakistan earthquake medical camps, Pfizer for its infectious diseases institute, and MSD for its work in Africa combating HIV and Aids.

Earlier this year, Schering-Plough announced a new set of corporate responsibility guidelines that will enable the company to “identify pressing social issues”, respond and utilise its resources, according to chief executive officer Fred Hassan.