Canadian Pharmaceutical Pharmascience's speedy Relief Efforts for Victims in
Haiti

MONTREAL , Jan. 20 /CNW Telbec/ - Montreal-based Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical company, Pharmascience Inc, sent its first shipment of a wide range of medicines within 24 hours of the earthquake that struck Haiti ; this was possible as a result of its long-standing relation with Health Partners International of Canada (HPIC). The company also promptly responded to its employees' wish to actively participate in the humanitarian relief process.

Pharmascience markets over 300 families of prescription and over-the-counter medicines that cover most therapeutic areas - a welcomed service when responding to such catastrophes that require a wide range of drugs. "Our goal is not only to provide the right type of medicine but to get it to those in need as quickly as we can, and that is exactly what we did once we found out about the earthquake and its devastation" says the company's CEO, David Goodman . "This could not have been possible without HPIC's robust logistics which ensures that the medicine the company donates gets into the right hands, at the right time", adds Goodman.

Pharmascience, which was HPIC's Top donor of medicines in 2008, initiated other relief initiatives through its more than 1,300 employees representing over 30 different cultural backgrounds, of which Haiti is well represented. "It was not enough for us to donate medicine", says Hani Kafoury, VP Corporate Affairs, "our employees wanted to contribute directly to our relief efforts as many have friends and/or relatives in Haiti ; so we quickly responded by inviting them to make a donation that the company would match, dollar for dollar."

"During a crisis," concludes David Goodman , "it is important for companies to respond quickly with relief efforts and also find ways to engage their workforce as it empowers employees to action while relieving some of the duress they are under. We will keep listening to our employees throughout this current crisis and stay receptive to other ways we can provide relief to the people of Haiti ".

Pharmascience's donations in medicine to the victims of this earthquake are estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Since 1995, the company's total medicine contribution to HPIC is in excess of $26 million .

About Pharmascience

Pharmascience is a Montreal-based Canadian-owned pharmaceutical company specializing in the development and commercialization of a wide range of quality generic pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter, hospital and innovative medicines. The company employs over 1,300 highly-skilled individuals. Ranked the 4th largest pharmaceutical in Canada in number of prescriptions, the company sells its products in over 60 countries. Pharmascience creates the difference by investing in community and charitable activities as well as in applied scientific research with the goal of enhancing the health and well-being of citizens worldwide. For more information please refer to our website at www.pharmascience.com

About Health Partners of Canada

HPIC is a Canadian relief and development organization dedicated to increasing access to medicine and improving health in the developing world.

For further information: Hani Kafoury, VP Corporate Affairs and Communications, [phone], [email protected]