Novartis donates Bt7.75 million to combat Covid-19

Swiss-based pharmaceutical company Novartis said it donated Bt7.75 million on April 15 to Thailand’s Department of Medical Services Foundation to support public hospitals designated as Covid-19 centres.
The foundation is a charitable entity that manages Covid-19 monetary donations for hospitals under its network.

The donation includes supporting additional bed capacity for diagnosed and convalescing patients, Novartis said.

The money will also be used to stock a host of medications used to treat Covid-19 patients, including Favipiravir, an antiviral drug that has seen some success in treating those infected. The drugs will be distributed to Bangkok and provincial hospitals.

In addition, funds will be used to procure testing kits and medical equipment such as PPE suits and surgical masks, and support other diagnostic costs such as X-rays, the company said.

“We are thankful for this donation from Novartis as it helps us find additional support for patients, hospitals and healthcare professionals at a critical time,” Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was quoted as saying.

“With this unconditional donation, we are proud to support the foundation’s efforts in battling this pandemic and providing optimal care for Thai patients,” Novartis Thailand president Sumalee Kristarnin said.
“Novartis established the Covid-19 Response Fund to support critical community and national programmes that can help address urgent public health needs. It is one of a number of measures we have put in place to help the Thai government and healthcare workers combat Covid-19, and we continue to provide support at this critical time as the safety of society is of paramount importance,” she added.