Health
Learn about our work
STANDING STRONG AND CARING IN COVID
Since April 2020, we have been taking on Covid challenges by supporting initiatives in prevention, detection and treatment. We have stood together with government, public health institutions, local administration, NGO partners, frontline workers and communities. From developing unique projects, building multistakeholder collaborations to scaling existing programmes, we have been striving to strengthen equitable access for resources and services.
Going forward, we are focussing on building resilience to face future pandemic episodes and also enable post-Covid patients to build back their lives.
Supporting Setting Up Of Dedicated Covid Care Facilities
2020
We partnered with public hospitals to support the setting up of Covid Isolation Wards and Covid Care Units.
In April 2020, we launched Maharashtra’s only pediatric isolation ward for Covid. Started at the BJ Wadia Hospital for Children Mumbai, the unit has been serving pediatric patients with chronic and acute health conditions who face greater threat from Covid infections.
5,500+ Children supported till June 2021
2021
We are increasing our support towards infrastructure to include Covid ICUs for affordable treatment and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Clinics to help patients with post-Covid recovery. We are focussing on expanding specialised facilities to make post-Covid services more readily available.
PULMONARY REHABILITATION CLINICS
Building back healthier and stronger lungs
Free-of-cost care for post-Covid patients in Pune
PULMONARY REHABILITATION CLINICS
Building back healthier and stronger lungs
Free-of-cost care for post-Covid patients in Pune
BRINGING QUALITY TESTING WITHIN REACH OF PATIENTS
We have been responding to the national call for testing as one of the most critical ways to diagnose and control the spread of Covid. We are supporting testing at public hospitals across India to bring free high-quality testing within reach of patients with financial difficulties.
Going forward, we are exploring partnering with nationally acclaimed organisations to support genome sequencing. The aim is to better understand the changing nature of the virus and help with pandemic preparedness in face of Covid variants. Additionally, we are considering providing more testing kits basis the revised Government of India guidelines to focus on Rapid Antigen Covid testing.
From April 2020 – June 2021, we have supported:
RT-PCR Tests
Rapid Antigen Tests
PROJECT UMMEED
One Of India’s Largest Public-Private Partnerships For Covid Testing
Through this initiative, we have been supporting the extraordinary efforts of the government of Maharashtra and State Municipal Corporations to take free-of-cost RT-PCR Covid tests to patients across the state. We launched this initiative in May 2020 in partnership with Citibank.
In 2021, we are continuing to lead this drive that is serving financially marginalised patients in Maharashtra – the state with one of the highest Covid cases in the country.
From April 2020 – June 2021, we have supported
1,18,000+
RT-PCR Tests in
26+
Government Hospitals across
17+
Districts in Maharashtra
SCIENCE IN THE SERVICE OF HUMANITY
SAANS Face Mask – Saving lives and livelihoods
On 4th August 2020, we embarked on a unique partnership with CSIR-IICT (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research- Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad) to support the development and production of India’s first-of-its-kind high-quality affordable face mask – SAANS.
The first batch of one lakh face masks was distributed free-of-cost in rural Telangana to vulnerable groups, including frontline health care workers, migrant workers, children and the elderly covering 57 villages in 26 districts.
UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE SAANS FACE MASK
SUPERIOR PROTECTION
LONG-TERM COMFORT
ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY
With simple washing protocols, the mask can be re-used for upto 3 months, at least.
AFFORDABLE
It is priced 60% lower in comparison to similar commercially available masks.
SITRA CERTIFIED
As a mark of its superior quality, the SAANS face mask is certified by SITRA (The South India Textile Research Association).
In 2021, we have expanded the SAANS initiative to create livelihood opportunities
We are supporting NGOs & Self Help Groups across India where local women and the elderly are being trained to stitch and sell SAANS masks.
SUPPORT FOR SPECIALISED COVID
EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
2020
We reached out to over 26 public health care institutions in the country, supporting them with RT-PCR testing facilities and equipment for Covid diagnosis and treatment including oxygen concentrators, ventilators, high flow nasal oxygen masks, Centrifuge & UPS and more.
2021
While we continue providing specialised equipment, we are also strengthening health institutions to better prepare for a possible third wave. We are extending support for Ventilators/ICU beds/Pediatric ICU and emergency services like Ambulances. Our aim is to reduce the burden on health facilities and enable vulnerable patients to get timely care.
SAFEGUARDING COMMUNITIES &
THE FRONTLINE WORKFORCE
Starting April 2020, we began supporting frontline workers, health care staff and patients with urgently needed safety gear including PPE kits, face masks, sanitizers, gloves and more.
From April 2020 – June 2021
Safety Gear Distributed
PROTECTING RURAL COMMUNITIES &
FIELD HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE
We have especially supported the field level health care workers – ASHAs by providing them with more than
6,800+
Masks
108,000+
Gloves
1,000+
Face Shields
TRAINING & SUPPORTING
HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
Since April 2020, we have been connecting doctors and allied health care practitioners with the AIIMS and ICMR led virtual information network for Covid. This is being done via ECHO – an online case-based knowledge sharing platform. These online learning facilities have been set up at leading government and medical colleges across India.
From April 2020 – June 2021
Health care practitioners attended
Sessions
CONFRONTING COVID WITH COMPASSION
The lockdowns and loss of jobs have left many sections of society grappling with unexpected consequences of the pandemic. We continue to support these vulnerable groups to ensure that their needs are not overlooked.
RATION & MEALS
We distributed ration supplies and cooked meal packets to support vulnerable groups such as – migrant workers on their journey back home, individuals who lost their jobs in Covid and communities hit by natural disasters.
Over 36,000 meals distributed from April 2020 till June 2021.
PROTECTING WASTE PICKERS
“We used to rent and beg others for protective gear and use our own money to buy masks and gloves.”
– Sujata working in the Kurla dumping ground, Mumbai, June 2020
We supported waste pickers, the frontline hygiene workforce, with protective gear to do their duty without fear for their own safety.
MEALS FOR TRUCKERS
Dhabas (food joints) on highways closed due to Covid. Starting May 2020, hundreds of truckers carrying essential medicines and supplies were left stranded with no food for their long-distance travel.
We stepped forward to support them with food packets, ration and meals in Cipla cafeterias.
CARING FOR ADOLESCENTS
“I had to use cloth in my periods during the lockdown – it leaves stains and is embarrassing to wash and dry when everyone is at home.”
– Anita, 14 years, living in a slum, Baddi (Himachal Pradesh), June 2020
We provided sanitary napkins to young girls to save them from risk of infection and isolation.
PALLIATIVE CARE
Our work in palliative care takes Cipla’s patient-centered approach beyond medicines.
Since 1997, we have been running a 55-bedded Centre in Pune where cancer patients and their loved ones receive free-of-cost palliative care – that is holistic responsive care to relieve their pain and symptoms. During Covid, the Centre initiated tele and video consultations to provide continued care.
Beyond the Centre, we support palliative care organisations across India to take this multidisciplinary specialised care to patients with serious illnesses and to their families.
Additionally, we support extensive trainings for health care professionals to integrate palliative care early into treatment to improve the quality of life of patients and caregivers.
RESPIRATORY CARE
Improving Quality Of Life After Covid
One out of every five patients struggles even after recovering from Covid*. They continue experiencing breathlessness, cough, weakness and fatigue that compromises their quality of life.
This led us to focus our respiratory initiatives in 2021 to support post-Covid patients to rebuild their respiratory health.
“Respiratory issues don’t just affect the lungs, they have far-reaching social, psychological and economic impact. India already has a high pulmonary disease burden and Covid is worsening this public health crisis. It needs our urgent attention and action.”
Dr Kranti Rayamane
Head, Health Projects
Cipla Foundation
At the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Clinics, post-Covid patients and those with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) receive free-of-cost supervised pulmonary rehabilitation care – a combination of exercise, diet, counselling and breathing techniques.
After the first face-to-face session, patients can continue the programme under supervision, virtually from their home.
As part of our long-term Covid response, we have supported the set-up of Dedicated Pulmonary Rehabilitation Clinics in Pune at:
Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College Hospital
Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital
520+
Patients Currently Supported
“I can walk 3 kms everyday now without getting breathless – impossible for me till a month ago. I was exhausted for weeks after recovering from Covid. I couldn’t even do my routine everyday tasks – it was frustrating and depressing.
Finally, after going to the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Clinic, I started getting back my strength and confidence. Today, I can play with my kids, help my wife at home and do office work without feeling tired – it’s a real blessing!”
Yogesh Patil, 42 years
Taken 18 sessions over 2 months – June 2021
COMMUNITY HEALTH
Driving health and hope to the most vulnerable
With health care facilities closing their regular out-patient departments to focus on Covid patients, Mobile Healthcare Units (MHUs) became the only source of care for patients in remote communities.
MHUs ensured continuity of care, especially medicine drop-offs for patients with chronic conditions. This was a much-needed support for the elderly and other vulnerable groups in the pandemic.
From April 2020 – June 2021
Free-Of-Cost Health Consultations Done
which not only saved 1,44,150 USD (assuming USD 1.5 for each consultation) for marginalised families but also ensured early diagnosis and timely treatment
CARE THAT NEVER STOPS
“In April 2020, when the MHU could not come to my village, I got very stressed about how to get my diabetes medicines. But they soon found a way to continue caring for us.
I don’t just wait for my medicines; I wait to meet my Heath Van team. Just seeing them makes me hopeful in the lockdown.”
Jagatpratap Singh
Village Neela Kheda,
Near Cipla, Baddi
“It’s not easy risking our own safety, but we know the community needs us more than ever. They trust us and listen when we teach them how to wear a mask, importance of social distancing, need to monitor symptoms and to get tested in time.
Without this, the vulnerable elderly face the highest risk.”
Dr Radheysham Naikodi
Mobile Healthcare Unit,
Cipla, Patalganga
Since 2014, we have been supporting MHUs in partnership with HelpAge India to provide free-of-cost care especially to women, children and the elderly. We currently support 6 MHUs near Cipla Patalganga, Kurkumbh, Bengaluru, Baddi and Indore.
SUPPORTING ELIMINATION OF VIRAL HEPATITIS
Training Health Care Professionals
Under this project, we are skilling health care professionals through trainings and web-based sessions aligned to WHO’s curriculum, to meet the global mandate of Hepatitis Elimination by 2030.
The physical training sessions that we have been supporting since 2018 were converted into online modules during Covid, which resulted in expanded outreach of the project.
8,000+
Professionals trained till date
THALASSEMIA TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT
Despite challenges of medicine and blood shortage, Thalassemia care has continued in Covid under stringent safety protocols.
From April 2020 – June 2021, we have supported
28 Bone Marrow Transplant surgeries
3,216 Blood Transfusions
Provided Covid safety gear for health care professionals, patients and caregivers
RARE NEEDS CARE
At 5 months, Himanshu was diagnosed with Thalassemia Major. It is an inherited blood disorder characterised by decreased haemoglobin production which affects oxygen supply to body tissues. To stay alive and healthy, Himanshu took blood transfusions every 4-6 weeks. This was financially draining for this parents – his father, the only earning member in a family of six. A Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) surgery was the only permanent solution for Himanshu. The difficulty in finding a donor with the right blood match and the high cost of the surgery discouraged them from opting for the treatment.
All this changed at the Comprehensive Thalassemia Care Pediatric Hematology-Oncology & BMT Centre in Borivali, Mumbai – a super speciality hospital run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for children with cancer and blood disorders, headed by the renowned Dr Mamta Manglani. Here, the medical team identified Himanshu’s 3-year old sister as the donor and the family was assured of much-needed financial support to cover the treatment cost. In October 2020, Himanshu had a successful BMT and is currently in remission back at home, receiving continued care. He has joined online school and is leading a normal happy life with his family.
Together, we will continue to collaborate with like-minded partners who share our vision to make quality health services accessible to all in need.
* Assessment and characterisation of post-COVID-19 manifestations, Sep 2020 – The International Journal of Clinical Practice