Our Social and Community Initiatives

Wockhardt has always been a socially responsible corporate citizen. Each of our welfare initiatives is an extension of the company’s belief of making a difference  to  the  society  we  live in. Wockhardt has initiated and been involved in some key welfare programmes.

At a community awareness programme by WHARF in Dharavi, Mumbai.

WHARF –  a non-profit organisation providing education in HIV / AIDS

In  2002,  Wockhardt  and  Harvard Medical International (HMI) of US joined hands  to  create  a non-profit organisation. WHARF (Wockhardt-HMI HIV/AIDS Education  and  Research  Foundation) is a platform for clinicians, nurses, and  counsellors  to acquire knowledge in the areas of their specialisation relating  to  HIV/AIDS. The objective is to scale up training of healthcare providers on using global standards in HIV/AIDS management and to work with them  on  overcoming  attitudinal  and economic barriers. A research study conducted jointly by HMI and Wockhardt in Mumbai city revealed that despite widespread awareness about  the  virus,  there  was  a  definite need for structured and scientific  education  in the prevention and management of HIV/AIDS. Recognising  this  gap for specialised training, WHARF developed ‘train the  trainer’  programmes  to mentor community-based caregivers.  A core  team  of faculty - international (from Harvard) and Indian - form the backbone  of  WHARF.  Since the first programme in December 2002, WHARF has trained  over  4,000 healthcare providers working in high-risk communities. The  organisation  is  also  working  in tandem with national, regional and global programmes to train primary care givers  from grassroot social organisations and hospitals.

Winners of the Wockhardt Medical Excellence Awards 2005 with senior members from Wockhardt and Harvard Medical.

Recognising and rewarding medical excellence

To  honour  the  contribution  of India’s doctors, Wockhardt instituted the Wockhardt  Medical  Excellence  Awards. The awards are organised by Harvard Medical  International  (HMI),  the  international arm of Harvard Medical School,  US. Two awards events have been held – in 2003 and 2005 – honoring India’s  medical  icons for excellence in their areas of specialisation and their lifelong commitment to caring for the community.

 

 

 

A new school is built at Baniari village by Wockhardt.

Responding to unusual events and urgent needs

Rehabilitating an earthquake-hit village: In  the  aftermath of the earthquake that hit Gujarat, India on January 26, 2001,  Wockhardt responded  spontaneously by adopting an affected village. The  aim was  to  go  beyond  relief  –  and  address  the need for social infrastructure  rehabilitation.  Baniari, a village in Bachao, was adopted. This  village  had  suffered  about  75%  destruction, calling for complete reconstruction  of  its  facilities  to  rehabilitate  its population. With contributions  from  the company and employees, the village now has several new  facilities  –  a local government  facility (panchayat house), school, primary health centre, community centre, cattle shed and playground.

Contributing towards welfare of tsunami victims: In  response to the devastating tsunami that hit India’s coasts in December 26,  2004,  the company  contributed  Rs. 1 million in medicines and Rs. 5 million, including employees’ contribution of one day’s salary towards the relief efforts.  The  contributions  were  made  to  the  Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.