Medtech Firms Aid Typhoon Victims

Medical device executives are opening their hearts and wallets to help Typhoon Haiyan survivors rebuild their shattered lives.  
 
At least half a dozen companies have donated money and medical supplies to charities like the Red Cross, AmeriCares, Direct Relief, Heart to Heart International and CARE since the monstrous tempest maimed the Philippines with 195 mph winds and tsunami-like storm surges on Nov. 8. Humanitarian groups estimate the typhoon—the strongest in recorded history—killed at least 4,200 people, damaged 500,000 homes and displaced 3 million Filipinos. Recovery in the island nation has been painstakingly slow as government officials and disaster relief workers struggle to reach the hardest-hit areas. Electricity and running water still are rare commodities, though Philippine Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla has vowed to restore power to the storm-ravaged country by Christmas Eve. “It’s difficult to celebrate Christmas without light,” he told reporters at a Nov. 18 news conference, noting a dark holiday will result in his resignation. 
 
A $248 million international relief effort is progressing at a snail’s pace but improving nonetheless. On Nov. 18, the World Bank offered the Philippine government a $500 million emergency loan to fund construction of typhoon- and flood-resistant buildings (the new structures would be able to withstand winds up to 170 mph, according to Reuters). “We are committed to supporting the government in its effort to recover and rebuild, and to help Filipinos strengthen their resilience against increasingly extreme weather events,” World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim said.
 
A similar commitment is coming from medtech companies with manufacturing or product development operations in the Philippines. Bayer AG, which employs 900 Filipinos, donated 100,000 euros ($133,620) to the German Red Cross and is matching individual worker contributions up to 150,000 euros ($200,430) through the Bayer Cares Foundation, an initiative to help improve living conditions through volunteer work and innovative social projects. The company also provided the Red Cross with 400,000 euros worth of medicine for typhoon victims.
 
Abbott Laboratories and Covidien plc also donated money and products to Haiyan survivors. Abbott Park, Ill.-based Abbott—which maintains a 700-person workforce in Manila—has pledged $350,000 in grants to CARE, Direct Relief and the Philippine Red Cross (through the American Red Cross), and donated $100,000 of antibiotics, oral rehydration solutions and nutritionals to both Direct Relief and AmeriCares. Covidien, meanwhile, gave the Philippines Red Cross a $25,000 corporate grant and provided $25,000 worth of products to Direct Relief. The company also is supporting employee volunteer activities for impacted areas.
 
“We have a responsibility to respond to the monumental destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan and [we] are committed to improving the well-being of those most affected,” Covidien Chairman, President and CEO José (Joe) E. Almeida said. “We recognize the relief efforts are just beginning, and we will collaborate with our partners to assess needs and offer assistance where it is most needed.”
 
Essilor employees are lending their support as well through a $20,000 donation and individual disaster relief packages for victims. Essilor Group added to its workers’ generosity with a 50,000 euro ($67,340) contribution to Red Cross International.
 
Medtronic Inc. gave the Philippines Red Cross a $100,000 grant and is doubling employee donations through its Matching Grants program, while Johnson & Johnson donated hygiene kits and personal care products to Direct Relief International, AmeriCares and Heart to Heart International. The New Brunswick, N.J.-based healthcare conglomerate did not estimate a value for its donation.