Merck Sharp and Dohme launches Global Medical Knowledge 2020 scheme

Merck Sharp and Dohme has announced the launch of Global Medical Knowledge 2020, an initiative that aims to make medical information more accessible to consumers and healthcare professionals worldwide.

Overseen by its MSD Manuals business, the scheme's intent is to provide free access to credible medical information for nearly three billion patients and doctors by 2020.

As such, the consumer and professional versions of MSD Manuals are being made available at no cost on the company's websites, with the content also set to be distributed through a mobile app in multiple languages around the globe.

Authored by 350 independent medical experts, the content requires no registration and features no advertisements or commercial messaging.

Dr Robert Porter, editor-in-chief at MSD Manuals, said: "We believe that health information is a universal right, not a privilege, and that providing free access to quality medical information will enable more informed decisions, enhance relationships between patients and professionals and improve healthcare outcomes around the world."