The group said that member companies have donated more than $17m (€12m) of drugs and medical assistance to organisations working to provide emergency relief in the wake of last Tuesday’s devastating earthquake.
The IFPMA added that: “Total industry assistance can be expected to increase further, as many companies have also committed to match employee contributions which are still being collected.”
Organisation president Haruo Naito, CEO of Japanese drugmaker Eisai, explained that, to ensure the donated drugs reach the people who need the most, IFPMA members are working with the WHO, UNICEF, the PAHO and other expert NGOs.
The organisation did not respond to in-PharmaTechnologist’s questions about any longer term aid provision plans.