Positive reports are currently coming in from pharmaceutical company circles that are involved in the fight against the coronavirus with donations of money and goods in order to support the worldwide population, especially in the states that have been badly hit, but also organisations and government institutions. For example, leading pharmaceutical companies are pulling together money and donations, but also medicines, protective masks and disinfectants, and in some cases release employees for relief work. With the help of medical solutions, including clinical trials and collaborative research programs, the aim is to counter the COVID 19 pandemic, not just because of their own economic interests. A number of Novartis and others are showing solidarity by setting up a solidarity fund to protect the population and fight the clock. Suggestions for donations come from Novartis associates who have donated money to the Tafel in Germany. A total of 910,000 euros can thus be awarded to donations. 20 million dollars are available for donation in a global fund. But also 100,000 respirators were donated to the BMG to protect medical personnel. Novartis also grants employees flexible working hours and special leave entitlement for digital and social commitment in times of crisis such as these. Bayer has generated EUR 11 million in donations in kind and cash donations, which are used in part for aid programs in the United States to ensure that people who have fallen on hard times and lost their insurance coverage can obtain medicines from Bayer free of charge. In addition, 200,000 respiratory masks have so far been donated to the Red Cross and 50,000 liters of disinfectant have been sent to surrounding communities at the production sites to be used free of charge by senior citizens‘ homes and nursing homes and by fire and rescue services. The next step is to provide a disinfectant to hospitals at the Orizba site in Mexico. In cooperation with a manufacturer of 3D printers, 400,000 face protection visors were produced for medical and auxiliary personnel. Pfizer has also declared war on the SARS CoV-2 pathogen, with the world-renowned company and the Pfizer Foundation having provided €40 million worldwide for medical purposes and charitable aid programs. In addition, Pfizer has set up a volunteer aid program in cooperation with other pharmaceutical companies to give medical or pharmaceutical staff time for projects aimed at protecting the population. Like Bayer, the company also supports government health care organizations and patients in the United States who are particularly affected by the virus.
