Daiichi Sankyo and Ranbaxy launch new social health programme

Daiichi Sankyo and Ranbaxy are to support healthcare initiatives in underprivileged countries through the launch of a new social contribution scheme.

The synergistic initiative will involve sponsorship of mobile healthcare field clinics in India, Cameroon and Tanzania, all nations with some of the highest rates of infant and maternal mortality in the world.

This scheme has been devised in line with the UN's global Millennium Development Goals, which aim to reduce child mortality, while also delivering healthcare improvements to areas with underdeveloped infrastructures.

A non-profit organisation established by Ranbaxy called the Ranbaxy Community Health Care Society will be responsible for implementing the scheme in India, while in Cameroon and Tanzania the companies will work with the non-governmental body Plan Japan.

"As a pharmaceutical company with a global business presence, the Daiichi Sankyo Group is actively involved with improving access to healthcare services globally," said a company statement.

Daiichi Sankyo has been allied with Ranbaxy since acquiring a majority stake in the business in 2008.