Vi Ties-Up With SonyLIV To Offer Exclusive Plans Bundled With Premium Content

·         Launches add-on data + entertainment packs for all the pre-paid users

·         Opens door to the huge library of binge-worthy content and LIVE Sporting action

In line with its continuous endeavour to offer unmatched entertainment to its users, Vi, the leading telecom brand, today announced its partnership with SonyLIV to offer premium content services which will bring the world of binge-worthy content and add-on data benefits together for Vi users. Creating a unique bundle option for the customers, Vi in association with SonyLIV has launched a new Prepaid pack offering subscription of SonyLIV Premium along with extra data benefits to the users. 

From sports properties like UEFA Champions League, WWE, Bundesliga, UFC to originals like Scam 1992 – The Harshad Mehta Story, Maharani, Tabbar, Rocket Boys, Gullak Season 3; regional content like Salute, Kaanekkaane, Shantit Kranti and James and international shows The Good Doctor, Fantasy Island and Magpie Murders, SonyLIV has a bouquet of attractive content offerings appealing to audiences across age and interests. The new proposition will enable all Vi prepaid users to enjoy SonyLIV Premium without having to worry about data quota.

For Prepaid Users, Vi has introduced a new add-on recharge of Rs. 82 offering free mobile only subscription of SonyLIV Premium for 28 days along with an added data benefit of 4GB with 14days validity.

In addition to this, Vi offers a rich content library for its customers under Vi Movies & TV (VMTV) on the Vi app. VMTV app has 450+ live TV channels, live news channels and premium content from other OTT apps.

About Vodafone Idea Limited:

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is India’s leading telecom service provider. The Company provides pan India Voice and Data services across 2G, 3G, 4G and has a 5G ready platform. With the large spectrum portfolio to support the growing demand for data and voice, the company is committed to deliver delightful customer experiences and contribute towards creating a truly ‘Digital India’ by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The Company is developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. The Company is listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in India.

The company offers products and services to its customers in India under the TM Brand name “Vi”. For more information, please visit: www.MyVi.in and www.vodafoneidea.com

About SonyLIV:

SonyLIV is an Indian OTT platform by Sony Pictures Networks’ (SPN) providing multi-screen engagement for users on all devices. The digital streaming player is home to 24 years of rich content from the library of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) with over 40,000 hours of programming. SonyLIV subscribers get exclusive access to key sporting events from across the globe, the latest Hollywood Shows, Originals, 18,000+ hours of TV Shows and LiveTV.

With 100 million+ app downloads, the platform has shows and movies from across Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Malyalam and Telugu languages. SonyLIV recent originals include Tabbar, Avrodh, Your Honor season 1&2, Undekhi, Scam 1992 - The Harshad Mehta Story, Maharani, Gullak season 1,2 & 3 amongst many more.

Apart from being the official Indian streaming partner for Global Sporting events, SonyLIV keeps its viewers entertained throughout the year with Live action Cricket, Football, Tennis, Basketball, eSports, Racing and Fighting Sports. The platform has been offering its subscribers a host of premium International tournaments like the UEFA Champions League, Australian Open, Serie A, W.W.E., N.B.A., UFC, F.A. Cup, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Euro 2020, Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, ATP Tours, Impact Wrestling and The Ashes to name a few. SonyLIV also has rights to tournaments of Cricket Boards inclusive Cricket Australia, England and Wales Cricket Board & Cricket Ireland. In 2019, the service launched in the Middle East and has plans to expand its complete bouquet of services in several Southeast Asian countries.

SonyLIV has partnerships with key International studios – SPE Films, Lionsgate and iTV, which allows its subscribers exclusive access to award-winning shows like, Seinfeld, Power, The Good Doctor and Mr. Mercedes. The platform recently added a host of celebrated Hollywood shows to its library like LA’s Finest S2, On Becoming a God in Central Florida, Alex Rider, For Life, Lincoln Rhyme, War of the Worlds, Commons and Indebted amongst others.

For more information, log onto www.sonyliv.com   

Goldman Sachs Launches ‘10,000 Trees’ Initiative In Bengaluru

* Commitment to plant one tree around Bengaluru for every India employee by 2025

Goldman Sachs today announced the launch of “10,000 Trees” initiative in India, a pledge to plant one tree around Bengaluru for every India employee by 2025 to help restore city’s green cover. Launched in collaboration with Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), this commitment is one of several green initiatives undertaken by the firm’s Bengaluru office that advances its environmental sustainability focus.

The initiative was launched by Sri. Arvind Limbavali, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Mahadevapura constituency, through a tree planting ceremony at Sadaramangala Lake in Bengaluru. Several government officials including Sri. R. Venkatachalapathi, Joint Commissioner, BBMP, Sri. Hanumanthappa Patil, Range Forest Officer, BBMP, together with Ravi Krishnan, chief administrative officer of Goldman Sachs Services, participated in the event where 200 saplings were planted.

Sri Arvind Limbavali, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Mahadevapura constituency, said, “The rapid rate of infrastructure projects in Bengaluru to support growth, has impacted our city’s well-known pleasant climate. Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 trees program demonstrates the critical role that companies can play in rebuilding the garden city’s green heritage.”

Gunjan Samtani, Head of Goldman Sachs Services in India, added, “In continuation of the firm’s efforts to reduce global carbon footprint, our Bengaluru office is planting 10,000 trees to further sustainable development in the city of Bengaluru. This is in addition to increasing renewable energy use, incorporating recycling and water efficiency systems and converting our vehicle fleet to electric vehicles (EVs) in our office. Addressing the impact of climate change on our business and our own climate impact remains an imperative for us.”

Over 2,000 native tree species of Karnataka state, such as Neem, Jamun, Dhuma and Peepal, will be planted this year around the surrounding areas of Sadaramangala Lake, Chikkabanahalli Lake and Hoodi Lake in Mahadevapura. All the trees will be maintained for the next three years, in collaboration with BBMP, to ensure maximum survival of saplings.

In addition to today’s commitment, Goldman Sachs announced the inclusion of 150 EVs in its employee transport this year, and launched free shuttle bus services for employees residing within five kilometers from its Bengaluru office campus - Helios Business Park, Outer Ring Road. This will reduce the carbon emissions and further help de-congest the traffic situation in the area, amid construction of Bengaluru Metro.

The 10,000 Trees initiative in Bengaluru will also contribute towards the afforestation efforts around Outer Ring Road, where a significant number of trees are impacted from the ongoing Metro construction.

Goldman Sachs is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. In India, Goldman Sachs operates from offices in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The Bengaluru office is a LEED Platinum and a ISO 14001 certified 1.35 million square feet campus with comprehensive environmental sustainability measures, including recycling of 100% grey and black water, 100% offset of electricity consumption based emissions and extensive use of renewable energy sources.

Narayana Health City In Collaboration With The Thalassemia And Sickle Cell Society of Bangalore Observed World Thalassemia Day

* Hosts a free HLA Screening camp and awareness seminar to commemorate the occasion

Narayana Health City, a division of Narayana Health in association with The Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society of Bangalore today celebrated World Thalassemia Day at Narayana Health City by conducting a free HLA Screening camp and awareness seminar. The event was inaugurated and graced by Dr A N Desai – Deputy Director & State Nodal Officer, State Blood Cell & Blood Storage Unit, Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Services, Arogya Soudha, Bangalore, Dr. Sunil Bhat, Director and Clinical Lead, Pediatrics Haematology, Oncology and Blood & Marrow Transplantation, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, Mr Gagandeep Singh Chandok – President and other Members from The Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society of Bangalore.

The camp offered free HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) screening test and Blood Investigation for patients. More than 100 patients were screened at the free check-up camp.

Elaborating about the condition Dr. Sunil Bhat, Director and Clinical Lead, Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Blood & Marrow Transplantation, Narayana Health said, “On an average, each year over 10,000 children are born with thalassemia and around 3-4% of people are carriers among the population. But unfortunately, it is inadequately addressed. Through this awareness seminar and free screening camp, we wanted to create better awareness about the condition and guide those suffering from it on how to manage and treat the condition.”

“Thalassemia is caused by variant or missing genes that affect how the body makes hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. People with thalassemia make less hemoglobin and have fewer circulating red blood cells than normal, which results in anemia requiring lifelong blood transfusions. Thalassemia can be prevented by undergoing certain tests on individuals before their marriage to ascertain the genes they carry with respect to thalassemia. Only option of cure for this condition is bone marrow transplant” added Dr. Sunil Bhat.

The seminar that followed the free HLA screening camp & Blood Investigation and consultations saw more than 10 doctors attending the same. The event also had a Stand-up Comedian entertaining the participants.

The event was held at the Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru. Set up 15 years ago the Haematology, Oncology and Blood & Marrow Transplantation today is a known for its state-of-the-art care for adult & children with Blood Disorders and Cancer. The Centre today evolved as a one-stop solution, which provides Comprehensive Cancer Care. The center offers quaternary care through “site specific” specialists and teams. The department also provides immunotherapy-based treatments for various cancer types. The unit is also equipped with a 18 bedded state-of-the art Bone Marrow Transplant facility. The unit is equipped with  HEPA filtration system and en-suite facilities and has done over 1600 plus transplantation till date which is the largest in Karnataka and one of the largest in the country.

About Narayana Health City, Bengaluru:

Narayana Health City is located in Bommasandra, Bengaluru. It is comprised of Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences (NICS), a superspecialty hospital for cardiology and cardiac surgery, and Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center (MSMC), a multispecialty hospital for cancer care, neurology, neurosurgery, nephrology, urology, and advanced multidisciplinary intensive care unit (MICU). 

Federal Bank Delivers Highest Ever Quarterly Net Profit At Rs 541 Crore

* Federal Bank announced its audited financial results for the quarter and year ended 31st March 2022 today. 

Highlights

Net Profit @ Rs 541 Cr, grew by 13% YoY

ROA for Q4 at 1.03% and ROE at 11.93%

CASA grew by 15% YoY and CASA Ratio at all-time high level of 36.94%

The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CRAR) of the Bank stood at 15.77%, up by 115 bps YoY

Core Fee Income @ ?453 Cr, increase of 25% YoY & 10% QoQ

GNPA and NNPA brought down to 2.80% and 0.96% respectively

Agri Business grew by 20% YoY

Business Banking grew by 15% & Commercial Banking grew by 12% YoY

Market Share in Personal Inward remittance business at 20.16% (Q3 FY22)

OPERATING REVIEW

Total Business

The total business of the Bank reached Rs 3,29,340.02 Cr as on 31st March 2022 from Rs 3,07,521.19 Cr as on 31st March 2021, registering a growth of 7.10%.

Credit Growth

Gross Advances reached Rs 1,47,639.45 Cr as on 31st March 2022 from Rs 1,34,876.71 Cr as on 31st March 2021 registering a growth of 9.46%. Agri Advances registered a growth of 19.93% to reach ? 19,238.00 Cr from Rs 16,041.43 Cr. Business Banking Advances registered a growth of 15.00% to reach Rs 13,869.00 Cr. Commercial Banking Advances registered a growth of 12.00% to reach Rs 14,806.00 Cr. 

Deposit Growth

Deposits recorded a growth of 5.25% to reach Rs 1,81,700.57 Cr as on 31st March 2022 from Rs 1,72,644.48 Cr as on 31st March 2021. The CASA deposits reached Rs 67,121.21 Cr as on 31st March 2022. CASA Ratio stands at 36.94%. Resident Savings Bank deposit registered a growth of 16.04% to reach Rs 29,953.44 Cr as on 31st March 2022.

Operating Profit & Net Profit 

The Bank delivered an annual operating profit of Rs 3,757.85 Cr as on 31st March 2022. The annual net profit is at Rs 1,889.82 Cr as on 31st March 2022 up from Rs 1,590.30 Cr as on 31st March 2021.

Income & Margins

Annual Net Interest Income increased from Rs 5,533.71 Cr to Rs  5,961.96 Cr registering a growth of 7.74% as on 31st March 2022. Net Interest Margin stood at 3.20 % for FY22. Net total income registered a growth of 7.46% to reach Rs. 8,051.05 Cr.

Asset Quality

The Gross NPA of the Bank as on 31st March 2022 stood at Rs  4,136.74 Cr. Gross NPA as a percentage to Gross Advances is 2.80% as on 31st March 2022. The Net NPA stood at Rs 1,392.62 Cr and Net NPA percentage is at 0.96% as on 31st March 2022. The Provision Coverage Ratio stood at 65.54% as on 31st March 2022.

Capital Adequacy & Net worth

The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CRAR) of the Bank, computed as per Basel III guidelines, stood at 15.77% as on 31st March 2022, up by 115 bps YoY. The Net Worth of the Bank was at Rs 18660. 98Cr as on 31st March 2022. 

Dividend

The Board of directors at its meeting held today has recommended a dividend of 90% per equity share having face value of 2 for the year ended 31st March 2022. The dividend will be paid after the approval of shareholders at the Annual General Meeting.

Awards & Accolades

Won Finnoviti Award instituted by Banking Frontiers for ‘Fed-E-Studio’, the self-service banking kiosk for customers 

Won the award for Best use of Cloud in Banking at the 3rd Annual BFSI Technology Excellence Awards 2022

Winner of 'Best Fintech Adoption', runner up for 'Best Technology Bank of the Year', and special mention award for 'Best Cloud Adoption' at IBA’s 17th Banking Annual Technology Awards 

Winner of Finacle Client Innovation Awards in the mid-size bank segment in 5 categories namely Corporate Banking Digitization (Automatic Opening of Accounts through BPM), Customer Journey Reimagination (Fed-e-Point self-service customer portal), Modern Technologies-led Innovation (AI based Digital Lending Platform), Process Innovation (Be Your Own Master - Top Up Demand Loan) and Product Innovation (Cross Border Remittance Automation and Insta-Demat). The Bank also emerged as a runner up in the category Ecosystem-led Innovation (Neo-Banking)

Recognized as the 'Best mid-sized Bank' in the 26th 'Business Today - KPMG Annual Survey

Recognized as a Great Place to Work in a study conducted by the Great Place to Work® Institute for the second time in a row

Major Partnership

Partnered with Mashreq Bank to facilitate NR account opening for Indians in UAE, making it first of its kind

Partnered with BSE to promote listing of SMEs & Start-Ups

Partnered with Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs to help customers pay their taxes through various channels of the Bank

Footprint

The Bank has 1282 branches, 1885 ATMs/ Recyclers as on 31st March 2022. The Bank also has its Representative Offices at Abu Dhabi and Dubai and an IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).

Q4FY22 Vs Q4FY21 

Resident Savings Bank deposit registered a growth of 16.04% to reach Rs 29,953.44 Cr

Total Deposits grew from Rs 1,72,644.48 Cr to Rs 1,81,700.57 Cr registering a growth of 5.25%

CASA recorded a growth of 14.99% to reach Rs 67,121.21 Cr

NRE deposits reached Rs 67,416.25 Cr from Rs 63,958.84 Cr registering a growth of 5.41%

CV/CE advances grew 40.11% to reach Rs. 1275.00 Cr

Gross Advances increased from Rs 1,34,876.71 Cr to Rs 1,47,639.45 Cr registering a growth of 9.46% 

Business Banking Advances and Commercial Banking Advances grew 15.00% and 12% to reach Rs 13,869.00 Cr and Rs 14,806.00 Cr respectively

Agri advances reached Rs 19,238.00 Cr from Q4FY22 Vs Q4FY21 

Resident Savings Bank deposit registered a growth of 16.04% to reach Rs 29,953.44 Cr

Total Deposits grew from Rs 1,72,644.48 Cr to Rs 1,81,700.57 Cr registering a growth of 5.25%

CASA recorded a growth of 14.99% to reach Rs 67,121.21 Cr

NRE deposits reached Rs 67,416.25 Cr from Rs 63,958.84 Cr registering a growth of 5.41%

CV/CE advances grew 40.11% to reach Rs. 1275.00 Cr

Gross Advances increased from Rs 1,34,876.71 Cr to Rs 1,47,639.45 Cr registering a growth of 9.46% 

Business Banking Advances and Commercial Banking Advances grew 15.00% and 12% to reach Rs 13,869.00 Cr and Rs 14,806.00 Cr respectively

Agri advances reached Rs 19,238.00 Cr from Q4FY22 Vs Q4FY21 

Resident Savings Bank deposit registered a growth of 16.04% to reach Rs 29,953.44 Cr

Total Deposits grew from Rs 1,72,644.48 Cr to Rs 1,81,700.57 Cr registering a growth of 5.25%

CASA recorded a growth of 14.99% to reach Rs 67,121.21 Cr

NRE deposits reached Rs 67,416.25 Cr from Rs  63,958.84 Cr registering a growth of 5.41%

CV/CE advances grew 40.11% to reach Rs. 1275.00 Cr

Gross Advances increased from Rs 1,34,876.71 Cr to Rs 1,47,639.45 Cr registering a growth of 9.46% 

Business Banking Advances and Commercial Banking Advances grew 15.00% and 12% to reach Rs  13,869.00 Cr and ? 14,806.00 Cr respectively

Agri advances reached ? 19,238.00 Cr from Rs 16,041.43 Cr registering a growth of 19.93 %

 16,041.43 Cr registering a growth of 19.93 %

 16,041.43 Cr registering a growth of 19.93 %

Abbott Launches HBsAg Next Assay In India To Accelerate Early And Enhanced Detection of Hepatitis B

 

·       The next-generation qualitative assay solution supports earlier and enhanced detection of the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) to help improve healthcare outcomes

·       Assay to help detect HBV infections and mutants at an earlier stage even in vaccinated individuals

·       Facilitates early diagnosis and treatment in high-risk patients

Global healthcare leader Abbott has announced the launch of the HBsAg Next Qualitative solution in India to enhance detection of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). This assay will help improve patient outcomes while maintaining safe blood supplies. This highly sensitive chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) assists in the early and enhanced detection of HBV in human serum and plasma (blood) samples and in population screening. A chemiluminescent immunoassay is a variation of the standard enzyme immunoassay, a biochemical technique used in immunology.

Early identification of HBV infections allows patients to receive the necessary care to prevent or delay progression of advanced liver diseases. Moreover, it also reduces the risk of transmission.

The HBsAg Next Qualitative assay is an advanced, next generation solution to better support the earlier detection of HBV. It detects HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) in human serum and plasma. Moreover, it overcomes traditional challenges by showcasing the highest level of assay performance required to detect infection in immunocompromised groups.

Dr. Jaganathan Sickan, Senior Associate Director, Medical Affairs, Core Diagnostics at Abbott said, “In India, Hepatitis B screening is vital since it is vastly under diagnosed. With HBsAg Next qualitative assay, laboratories in India can now detect HBV earlier than ever. This will help physicians identify at risk patients sooner, which in turn leads to early treatment and care. This assay represents the next generation of HBV diagnostic performance and will enhance our comprehensive infectious disease portfolio.”

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by Hepatitis B virus. It can be acute or chronic, with chronic cases potentially leading to liver failure, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. About 296 million people worldwide currently live with chronic hepatitis B,[i] with 10 to 15% of the world’s HBV carriers (40 million) found in India alone.[ii] Moreover, co-infections with HIV are also prevalent, with roughly 1 in 10 people living with HIV estimated to have Hepatitis B. However, Hepatitis B virus is often silently undiagnosed, with only 10.5% of all people estimated to be living with Hepatitis B aware of their condition.[iii]

Dr. Ekta Gupta, Professor, In-Charge, Department of Clinical Virology, ILBS, New Delhi, said, “The national burden of Hepatitis B is significant but due to the extremely low rate of diagnosis in India, we are unaware of the actual situation. This assay not only aids in earlier detection of the infection, it reduces the risks of undetected virus. With such highly sensitive qualitative assays, doctors will be able to identify at-risk patients and provide appropriate treatment sooner.”

With the HBsAg Next Qualitative Solution, laboratories can now better detect, analyze the infection and reduce the risks of undetected virus, have a consistent detection of all HBV genotypes and enhance detection and confirmation of mutants. Additionally, it can detect HBV in specimens on Abbott’s Alinity i or ARCHITECT systems. Testing for HBV can be performed for diagnostic purposes, as a screening test, or even after death (post-mortem) to prevent HBV spread to recipients of blood, blood components, cells, tissues, and organs.

Dr. John Fletcher, Professor, Dept of Clinical Virology, CMC Vellore commented, “CMC’s commitment to screen HBsAg started around 1970s and we continue to embrace the state-of-the-art technologies and chemistries. HBV identification involves overcoming several obstacles like window identification, detection of mutants, occult infections, breakthrough infections and reactivations.

Next generation HBsAg assays with superior performance characteristics can enhance stringent early detection and identification of challenging phases of HBV infections as well as efficient monitoring of functional cure. Cumulatively, these benefits converge to significantly reduce the risk of transmission and overall improve the global continuum of care by reducing the pernicious first gap.”  

The World Health Organization (WHO) has set targets to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health concern by 2030 to reduce infection incidence and related complications. Effective diagnostic solutions for early and accurate diagnosis can help achieve these goals. The HBsAg Next assay, with better sensitivity and specificity, will help India advance towards its goals of HBV diagnostics and care.

Pankaj Tripathi Emphasizes Performance And Durability In EcoLink’s New Campaign

* The campaign consists of 2 films that use humor to highlight the great performance and durability of EcoLink LED lights and Fans

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, has launched a new campaign for its EcoLink range of Fans and LED lights, featuring actor and EcoLink’s brand ambassador Pankaj Tripathi.

The campaign has been conceptualized by BBH India and features 2 films that play on the quirky and endearing relationship between Pankaj Tripathi and his grandmother to drive home EcoLink’s brand promise of ‘high-performance products with the promise of reliability’ to viewers.

The EcoLink Fans film starts with Pankaj interrupting his grandmother’s phone call and she scolds him for making too much noise. He reacts by saying that EcoLink’s Silent fans are so silent that now even his whispers appear loud to her. The film ends with Pankaj delivering the campaign tagline, "Hawa zor se, Bina shor ke", underlining the product proposition of silent fans that deliver great performance without the noise. 

The LED lights film shows Pankaj again being scolded by his grandmother for replacing the old lights with EcoLink downlighters. In his signature style, Pankaj clarifies that the old lights were quite old and had started flickering and he had to replace them. She gets offended and says that I am also old, will you replace me also? He pacifies her by telling her that these are best quality EcoLink downlighters that are bright and long lasting just like her. The essence of the narrative is succinctly captured in the tagline “Lamba chale, Brightest jale”.

Commenting on the new campaign, Nikhil Gupta, Head of Marketing & Integrated Communications and Commercial Operations, Signify Innovations India Limited said, “We are really excited to welcome Pankaj Tripathi as the brand ambassador for EcoLink. As a new brand in the lighting and fans space, we want to cut through the clutter and create high brand recall amongst consumers. Pankaj Tripathi has immense appeal across India and a genuine, down-to-earth personality that resonates with EcoLink’s brand promise. We feel that customers will relate to this light-hearted campaign showcasing the usual banter and tiffs that take place between a grandmother and grandson in every Indian household.”

“Powerful fans that are silent and bright lights that are long lasting. That’s what EcoLink brings to the people. No overpromises, no tall claims. Just some sweet banter between dadi and grandson and, their refreshing relationship to tell this simple story” said Ranadeep Dasgupta, NCD, BBH Gurgaon.

TVC Links:

EcoLink Fans - https://www.facebook.com/100066838484524/videos/525607578974376/?extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-AN_GK0T-GK1C

EcoLink LED Lights https://www.facebook.com/100066838484524/videos/834098817550251/?extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-AN_GK0T-GK1C

Strengthening The Access To Rare Disease Treatment In Indian Market

* Orchestrating Collaborative Actions to Generate Rare Disease Crowdfunding

* Takeda And United Nations Global Compact Network of India (UNGCNI) Join Hands

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, a global values-based, R&D-driven biopharmaceutical leader, together with UNGCNI launched a national initiative for improving early access to treatment for Rare Disease Patients in India. The joint rare disease initiative took charge of addressing the challenges to ensure access to treatment for rare disease patients waiting on the crowdfunding portal in an integrated manner. Through the initiative, 300+ PSUs and Corporate leaders were reached, which has helped to generate a pool of insights and recommendations that will help in shaping the future of access to rare disease treatment in the country.

The 6-months intensive initiative has been able to bring together stakeholder groups (private sector, PSUs, corporate giants, etc.) that can support mobilizing and operationalizing funding for the rare disease under CSR grants and donations for strengthening the existing crowdfunding mechanism and pathways set in the India Rare Disease Policy. Furthermore, it has created the roadmap for addressing rare disease funding requirements in alignment with the Government policies and guidelines Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Department of Public Enterprises, and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India.

The eminent experts from public and private sector organizations participated in the initiatives including MoHFW, AIIMS (New Delhi), Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA), CoEs (SGPGI, Lucknow, KEM, Mumbai, SSKM, Kolkata), and 24 PSUs and Corporate Leaders (e.g., BHEL, Bharat Petroleum, ONGC etc).

Mr. Aseem Kumar, Officiating Executive Director, UNGCNI said, “Rare diseases, underpin a situation where health lies at an intersection of several Sustainable Development Goals, going well beyond only SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). The need to address rare diseases on priority was made a reality in 2019 when UN Member States adopted the historical Political Declaration on Universal Health Coverage. This included a commitment to strengthen efforts to address rare diseases as it was for the first-time that rare diseases were included within a UN declaration. This   helped in channelizing collaborative efforts with multi-stakeholders to strengthen the national rare disease policy execution”.

Ms. Serina Fischer, General Manager, Takeda India says, “Patients remain at the core of decision making at Takeda and we are fully committed to the fight against rare diseases by advancing treatments and addressing diagnostic delays and gaps in access to treatment. The need of the hour is to bring all stakeholders together for rare to strengthen capacity-building efforts and find sustainable funding mechanisms that ensure the treatment of people living with rare diseases. We are pleased that our association with UNGCNI has successfully generated insights and mobilized support which in the long run will be important in solving issues related to access of treatment for rare disease patients.”

“Rare disease presents itself as one of the most challenging health areas to be tackled. The first step to handling rare diseases for India was the release of NRDP in 2021 which has given direction to the efforts of rare disease players to start with. But, as in any health area, policy implementation faces its set of challenges, especially when policy provisions are there but awareness about those provisions is absent or blurred by perceived challenges. Therefore, for inspiring change in the rare disease ecosystem, it is important for policymakers, payors, providers, and patients to come together as one unit and work using the continuum of care approach for applying integrated solutions”, Dr. Ruchi Sogarwal, Head-Public Affairs & Patient Advocacy, Takeda India.

Mr. Ajeet Kumar Sharma, AGM, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. & Secretary, UNGCNI expressed, “CPSEs are key players in CSR domain, working relentlessly for equitable wellbeing of society through their CSR initiatives. They have the needed capacity of extending help to the needy patients suffering from rare diseases. However, there is a need for enhancing awareness and understating of rare diseases, issuing of appropriate guidelines & directions by concerned government agencies and enhanced connect between Centers of Excellence and CPSEs. This initiative has immensely helped in clarifying the perceived barriers in flow of CSR fund from CPSEs towards this cause.”

“The Government of India’s support to rare diseases in form of the National Policy for Rare disease-2021 is laudable and it has made rare diseases a national priority. The step has been vital in showcasing India's commitment not only to addressing the needs of the rare disease patients but also to achieving universal health coverage (UHC). The onus now lies on us as citizens of the country, be it individuals, large or small organizations, institutions or the general public to support the Government Notified Centre of Excellences in the smooth implementation of the policy. UN-GCNI is dedicated to Improving Early Access to Treatment for Rare Disease Patients by encouraging the stakeholders such as PSUs, CSR mandated organizations, corporates, and experts to come together in support of underserved patients, with the firm belief that UHC will never be completely realized if people living with rare illnesses are left behind”, Dr. Somnath Singh, Programme Manager, UNGCNI.