HPIC Ships Life-Saving Donated Medicines to Two Afghan Hospitals

Commitment to Send $25 Million in Priority Medicines and Supplies Over 5 Years

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 30 /CNW/ - Health Partners International of Canada (HPIC) today announced the first phase of its commitment to send $25 million in pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to Afghanistan as part of HPIC's five-year, $10 million Capacity Building and Access to Medicines (CBAM) project. This phase consists of four shipments, one of which was received by the Afghan Minister of Public Health today in Kabul.  It will provide much needed supplies to the Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital, Afghanistan's leading pediatric hospital which treats more than 700 children a day. Ibn-i-Sina Hospital, a large public emergency hospital in the heart of downtown Kabul, is the beneficiary of the next airlift of medicines scheduled for December.

"The Afghan people are desperate for medical support, yet most hospitals lack even basic medical supplies to treat patients," said Glen Shepherd, HPIC's President and CEO. "The Ibn-i-Sina Hospital has had to expand its mandate beyond emergency care to treat all patients. The 350-bed Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital - the largest of its kind in Afghanistan - is often stretched beyond its means."

"Through the generous donations of our partner pharmaceutical and healthcare products companies we can provide antibiotics and other priority pharmaceuticals to help save the lives of the most vulnerable people in Afghanistan," said Shepherd. "Our donors are investing in the future of Afghan children and youth and helping the people in greatest need."

The first phase was made possible through donations by Abbott Laboratories Limited, Baxter Corporation, Covidien, GlaxoSmithKline Inc., Henry Schein Canada, Hoffmann-La Roche Limited, Hospira Healthcare Corporation, Paladin Labs Inc., Pfizer Canada Inc., Pharmascience Inc., Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Canada, Sandoz Canada, Southmedic Incorporated, Teva Canada Ltd., and 3M Canada.

Essential medical supplies will be sent to an array of hospitals in Kabul over five years, with the goal of providing equitable access to medicine, with a special focus on the needs of women and children.  

Medical donations are one of five key components of the CBAM project. Supported by a $10 million grant from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the goal of the project is to help Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Health build skills and capabilities to manage a sustainable supply chain of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies within the country.

About HPIC

Health Partners International of Canada is a humanitarian not-for-profit relief and development organization dedicated to improving access to medicine and enhancing health in the developing world. HPIC contributes to well-being by providing donated essential medicines, supplies and vaccines, building national health sector capacities, and responding to emergencies and health threats. We partner with a network of ministries of health, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and healthcare professionals, with pharmaceutical and healthcare product companies, and with Canadian government departments; and we count on the financial support of individual donors, foundations and corporations. Because of our unique model, HPIC multiplies every donated dollar to provide, without discrimination, at least $10 of free medical aid.

For further information:

Media Contacts:
Steven Theobald, Idea Workshop
[email protected]
W: 416-504-3977 x 21; M: 416-817-8061

Christina Parsons, Health Partners International of Canada
[email protected]
W: 514-822-1112 x 119