Bangkok--9 Oct--Spark Communications
Novartis Thailand, one of the leaders in global healthcare, has emphasized its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility in Thailand with the announcement of a unique village partnership project - The Novartis Village Partnership - coordinated by the Population Development Association (PDA).
Novartis will collaborate with the PDA in supporting the village of Thong Larng in Jakkarat District, Khorat Province with a variety of efforts aimed at improving the lives of the 739 people who live in the village.
“At Novartis, corporate social responsibility is a global priority. In Thailand, Novartis has been engaged for many years in various community support programs focusing on patient assistance, drug donations and education. Today, 350 people of Novartis Thailand declare their commitment to reach out to 739 people of Thong Larng Village,” said Peter Jager, Country Head Novartis Thailand.
“It is our aim to help the villagers of Thong Larng in developing sustainable activities that generate income and in improving their chances for better and higher education. We are proud to be the first healthcare company engaged in such a project and we are very grateful to Khun Mechai and the Population Development Association for facilitating the project,” he added.
Novartis will carry out four key phases of development for the village - needs assessment, idea generation, project development and implementation, coaching, feedback and follow up. The main focus will be in the following areas - health, environment, education and economic development. Several projects are planned to secure clean water supply, to improve waste management, and provide medical support. Furthermore, the Novartis Village Partnership will include projects that help raise employment in non-agricultural sectors through special skills training and the start-up of sustainable business projects.
One of the key aims of the project is to get Novartis’ employees directly involved.
”Novartis has recruited a group of 10 staff volunteers of different skills and backgrounds. They will be granted a total of 60 days of annual leave in 2006 so that they can dedicate time to the Village Partnership project. We hope this project will become a role model for many more to follow by many more companies,” said Mr Jager.
The initial funding is THB 750'000, which is being co-sponsored by the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development.
CEO and President of the Novartis Foundation, Klaus Leisinger, explained that cooperation was vital for projects like this to succeed.
“I see the Novartis Village Partnership programme and the cooperation of Novartis Thailand with Khun Mechai as an outstanding example of applied corporate responsibility thinking beyond daily business life,” said Mr Leisinger.
“Such cooperation does not only help poor people in a direct way and hence is a welcome contribution to the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals - it also brings a different perspective into a managerial way of thinking. One would hope that more companies would engage in such endeavors,” he added.
This was backed by Khun Mechai who has been one of the leading advocates of community projects.
“We are delighted to have Novartis work with us on this project and hope that many more companies see the opportunity to help local communities throughout Thailand,” said Khun Mechai Viravaidya, Chairman of PDA.
“The impact that this will have on the village will be significant and long-lasting and we hope that our collaboration with Novartis will improve living standards for the villagers,” he said.
Peter Jager, Country Head Novartis Thailand (left) hands over a cheque for 750’000 for the Thong Larng Village support fund to Khun Meechai Veravaidya, Chairman of the PDA (right)
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