AmeriCares, the international disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization, is planning to expand its operations in India. As part of the programme the US-based firm will appointment its new managing director for India.
Through the expansion of operations AmeriCares is aiming to serve as a vital hub for distributing critical medicines and supplies throughout India and the region. The organisation has been delivering aid to the people of India for over 15 years and has provided medicines, medical supplies and humanitarian aid that have improved access to health care after natural disasters and in communities struggling with chronic poverty.
AmeriCares has delivered more than $45 million worth of life-saving medicines and medical supplies to health care providers in India over the last 15 years. Launching its operations in Mumbai, India, will allow the organisation to channel the philanthropic commitment of India's domestic and multinational pharmaceutical industry effectively and efficiently to fill immediate supply gaps in hospitals and clinics serving the poor, informed a press release. Additionally, AmeriCares India allows AmeriCares to respond quicker to emergencies and natural disasters in Asia and Northern Africa.
"The thriving Indian pharmaceutical industry, which is one of the world's largest manufacturers of drugs and medical supplies, has welcomed AmeriCares India, appreciating the opportunity to increase the scale, effectiveness and reach of its product donations," added the officials. To improve the availability of medicines for indigent communities and disaster prone states in India, AmeriCares will locally replicate its global medical assistance and emergency response programs in India.
The philanthropic arm of Baxter, the Baxter International Foundation which has been AmeriCares partner for more than 21 years, will help fund the addition of the India warehouse to better position AmeriCares to respond to the needs of the region.
AmeriCares has worked with more than 11 partners throughout India, providing medical assistance valued at over $45 million that has helped nearly 10 million people. Current partners include: Project Concern International in Pune, Maharashtra, Bihar and Tamil Nadu, Niramaya Health Foundation in Mumbai, Society for Service to Voluntary Agencies in Maharashtra, Duncan Emmanuel Hospital Association in Bihar and Impact Foundation in Maharashtra.
In addition, AmeriCares has responded to emergencies and natural disasters throughout India, including: the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, the 2004 tsunami, the 2007 and 2008 flooding in Bihar, and the 1993 earthquake in Maharashtra. AmeriCares has also supported disaster preparedness and trauma training in Gujarat and Maharashtra.