News release

Canadian pharmaceutical industry responding generously to the Haiti disaster through HPIC

MONTREAL (Jan. 28, 2010) - Canada's pharmaceutical industry is working on a significant mobilization of medical aid for Haiti through Health Partners International of Canada (HPIC), a relief and development organization dedicated to increasing access to medicine and improving health in the developing world.

"We are working with dozens of companies from the research-based and generic pharmaceutical industry, as well as makers of over-the-counter medicines and medical supply companies," says Glen Shepherd, President of HPIC.

To date, more than 70 Physician Travel Packs, mobile medical kits containing essential medicines to treat about 600 people each, have been supplied to volunteer Canadian doctors and nurses.

In addition, two major shipments of medicines and supplies that match Haiti's needs list have been sent. One arrived by air on Jan. 23 and is destined for the Northwest Haiti Christian Mission. The other shipment will arrive the first week of February by sea for UNICEF's operations.

HPIC is readying other major shipments of medical aid this week, including an airlift courtesy of Air Canada on Jan. 30. Volunteer medical personnel continue to request PTPs and more are going out every week.

"When we saw the extent of the devastation, we knew that our association and our member companies had to act, and act quickly," says Russell Williams, President of Canada's Research Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D).

"Our member companies responded quickly and decisively with donations of essential medicines to HPIC. We are pleased to see that aid is on its way for the short and long-term needs of Haiti."

Canada's generic sector has also responded swiftly. "Like many Canadians, our industry was moved by the tragedy facing the people of Haiti. Generic pharmaceutical companies are channeling donations of medicines through HPIC to address their most urgent needs," says Jim Keon, President of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association.

HPIC is working with about a dozen NGOs in Haiti as well as volunteer medical personnel to get life-saving medicines and medical supplies into the hands of doctors and nurses on the ground. More medical aid will be leaving in the weeks to come.

"I am so proud of what our partners in the Canadian pharmaceutical industry are doing," says Shepherd. "With the support of these Canadian healthcare companies, the aid pouring in from Canada and the solidarity of Canadians, Haitians have reason to hope."

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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 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.

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 more information contact:
Christina Parsons
Director, Corporate Communications
514-822-1112, ext. 119
email: