Bayer Schering Pharma supports healthcare partnerships in developing countries

In their lectures, selected experts listed the challenges and objectives of international public-private partnerships (PPPs). They said there had been broad-based cooperation in the development of local hospitals and on training issues. The private sector also had an important role to play in the formulation of clear national laws on drug-packaging guidelines, since the "open sale" of medicines was common practice in many developing countries.

Several researchers discussed necessary improvements to the basic and advanced training of physicians and medical staff in the countries concerned. The Federation of German Industry, for example, presented its initiative entitled "Healthcare Infrastructure in Developing Countries and Emerging Markets," which it has launched in collaboration with the KfW and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. Private partners involved in this investment include Siemens, Asklepios and Klinikum Chemnitz.

During the meeting, experts pointed out the need for private partners to be more sensitive to national specifics if cooperation in developing countries was to be successful. These specifics were often expressed in details – such as scheduling enough time for patients during diagnosis and treatment, or maintaining good contacts with local leaders. There was a fundamental need not only for intense dialog with the governments of the developing countries, but also for concessions on their part toward their partners from the private medical sector.

We supported this conference as part of our social engagement. Our aid programs for improving healthcare are based on long-term cooperation with recognized aid organizations and international bodies. They make sure that our aid really does help the people on the ground – and has a lasting effect.

A good example is our commitment to sex education and reliable contraception. Bayer Schering Pharma informs people about family-planning methods and makes it easier for them to access contraceptives – primarily in poor countries. In this context the company relies on cooperation with private and public aid organizations.