Under the 'Sustainable Development - For Generations' framework, Boehringer Ingelheim has pledged EUR 250 million (more than THB 9,295 million) globally to combat infectious diseases in humans and animals, expanding healthcare access for non-communicable diseases for 50 million people in vulnerable communities, including in the ASKAN area, and investing EUR 35 billion (THB 1,300 billion) in health innovations to tackle non-communicable diseases.
Rodrigo Lau, General Manager and Head of Human Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim Thailand, emphasised that BI is committed to following its Sustainability Development pillars and supporting Thai communities and added, "Our journey is about driving innovation, creating value in areas of unmet medical needs, and engaging with the Thai society to transform lives for generations. With widening disparities persisting in the region, especially amongst vulnerable groups, we are committed to leveraging our core competencies and collaborating with like-minded partners to improve access to health, protect the environment and make a difference in our communities in Thailand."
Improving access to human and animal healthcare
In the area of healthcare access, Boehringer Ingelheim is in partnership with the World Stroke Organization (WSO) and many other national stroke societies, companies, and health institutions to build an innovative network of stroke-ready hospitals and stroke centers. It has enrolled over 1,000 hospitals to serve more than 300,000 patients to date with substantially improved care in the region.
In Thailand, the company has worked with the Home For Handicapped Animal Foundation in Nakhon Pathom to care for 1,500 strayed dogs and cats through the doncation of 4,000 boxes of animal health products to reduce the risk of blood parasites and heartworm disease.
Making a difference in communities
Boehringer Ingelheim, which aims to co-create healthy, inclusive, and sustainable communities to help employees and partners reach their full potential, has been partnering with Ashoka, an international network focused on social entrepreneurship, to jointly develop healthy inclusive communities through its flagship initiative 'Making More Health (MMH)' and foster a "changemaker culture" amongst employees.
There are currently 10 MMH fellows in the ASKAN region committed to piloting and scaling accessible health solutions on the ground, within vulnerable communities. Through empowering employees, partners, and innovative social entrepreneurs, the organisation addresses complex health challenges in local communities and creates an ecosystem of sustainable impact.
Boehringer Ingelheim Thailand has also been supporting children in the Children's Village School Moo Baan Dek in Kanchanaburi province through volunteer work and cash and in-kind donations of approximately THB 200,000. The employees hope to help develop the children's physical and mental health by participating in the school's recreational activites and performances.
Caring for our environment
Boehringer Ingelheim is committed to becoming even more environmentally sustainable, continuing the significant reduction in operational waste, and eliminating single-use plastic.
Green IT @ ASKAN was launched earlier in June 2022, to integrate more responsible e-waste management solutions. Company-owned working hardware that has reached end of life and/or zero book value will be donated to benefiting charities, and non-working devices will be responsibly managed by selected e-waste certified vendors. The initiative has already benefited more than 10 charities across the region.
To increase awareness of biodiversity conservation in the Thai community, Boehringer Ingelheim Thailand participated a series of environmental conservation activities while partnering the Bangpu Nature Education Center in Samut Prakan province this year. The employees planted 120 trees in the mangrove forest and cleaned up plastic waste found within the area.
Continuing to make an impact across the region
Commenting on Boehringer Ingelheim's ongoing sustainability initiatives underway in Thailand, Mr Rodigro Lau said, "We are committed to tackling regional health and environmental challenges across Thailand through holistic initiatives tailored to local community needs. With the support of global and regional partners, we can work together to elevate health outcomes and live in harmony with the planet, animals, and each other."
Source: ABM Connect
