Message to Stakeholders

From Brian Daniel, CEO & Country Manager, Pfizer South Africa’s Biopharmaceutical Division

"In keeping with our vision - 'Living our full potential in striving for a healthier southern Africa' - our colleagues at all levels of the business pledge their commitment..."

As part of Pfizer South Africa's Biopharmaceutical Divisions commitment, we remain focused on "making South Africa work" and are always seeking new ways of doing business in a manner that benefits the communities we serve, as well as our key stakeholders, including government, associations and healthcare professionals.

Pfizer South Africa’s Biopharmaceutical Division has over the past year performed extremely well, despite the effects of the global economic meltdown and the emerging markets experiencing unprecedented challenges. In South Africa, with the impending National Health Insurance (NHI) scheduled for Phase One implementation by mid-year 2012, we are obliged to review our current business models in preparation.

The company remains committed to finding relevant solutions to a framework that will forever change our healthcare landscape. Our work in the area of support and solution is well-documented and we will continue to work closely at company level and at a broader industry level, through our industry body association, Innovative Medicines South Africa (IMSA), with the Department of Health (DoH) on the NHI and other relevant pharmaceutical and healthcare related issues to continue to be part of the solution. To this end, we remain steadfast in our commitment.

Our people

We remain committed to investing in our people, processes and the communities in which we operate. We are also proud that, of a total Pfizer South Africa workforce of just over 530 colleagues (all four Business Units), 68% are female. At an executive leadership level the same applies, with just over 55% of the executive team being women. Given the serious skills shortage in this country, it remains important to recognise the need for equity in all areas and at all levels. With this in mind, we continue to work tirelessly in the area of transformation.

The communities we serve

Our company is fortunate to have brought several NGO-type organisations and academic institutions on board over the past few years, as we strive to make a positive impact in the lives of ordinary South Africans. In keeping with our vision - “Living our full potential in striving for a healthier southern Africa” - our colleagues at all levels of the business pledge their commitment to underserved communities by ensuring access to relevant medicines and treatments. Providing innovative medicines to improve patients’ quality of life remains a business imperative.

Our partnerships & associations

Our ongoing partnerships and associations with key industry and government stakeholders remains a critical focal point for our business well into the future and it is important that we ensure that all key stakeholders continue to be informed of the essential work we do in South Africa. Our life’s work as a company is to save lives.

This year, with all of its speculated challenges, is likely to test the resolve of many a corporate in South Africa and the rest of the business world. Together with my highly capable team, who are as passionate about our industry as I am, it will be a welcome relief to usher in new challenges knowing that we have professional, exceptional people ensuring that the work gets done and gets done well!

Kind regards
Brian