KUALA LUMPUR: Novartis Malaysia Sdn Bhd continues its commitment to keeping Malaysian frontliners and at-risk communities safe during the Covid-19 pandemic by ensuring access of treatments to patients across critical therapeutic areas.
From 2020 to 2021, Novartis Malaysia contributed over RM3 million, keeping nearly 210,300 frontline healthcare workers and vulnerable communities nationwide safe from the outbreak.
Through Mercy Malaysia, the donation provided personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand sanitisers for 20 hospitals nationwide in 2020, rapid test kits for at-risk communities and hardware support for vaccination centres.
In recognition of its commitment to Malaysians, the American Chambers of Commerce recently recognised the company at its AMCHAM Cares 2021 awards.
"We have had a long history and heritage in Malaysia. Beyond patients, we are committed to supporting Malaysians to live longer and happier lives.
"When the Covid-19 pandemic impacted Malaysia, we knew we couldn't just sit back and watch. We had to do our bit to keep Malaysians safe, especially frontliners and at-risk communities. So, through Mercy Malaysia, we channel the funds into the most critical support areas.
"As Covid situation transitions from pandemic to endemic, we intend to remain vigilant and support Malaysians as needed," said country president and managing director Patrik Grande.
MERCY Malaysia had also stepped forward to help these communities since the pandemic began by supporting health authorities to prevent and control infection, equipping rapid responders in investigations, contact tracing and testing, promoting good health and hygiene to reduce risk, and ensuring food security and livelihood protection to reduce the risk of hunger and mental illness.
"We wish to thank Novartis Malaysia for their contribution in support of the MERCY Malaysia Covid-19 Preparedness and Response Plan. The donation has helped our efforts mitigate the spread of the virus and extended much-needed assistance to ease the burden to the country's healthcare services.
"Along the way, MERCY Malaysia was able to enhance our knowledge on humanitarian response, ensuring that vital services were delivered to the vulnerable populations within the crucial period," said MERCY Malaysia executive director Malcolm George William Chapman.