Novartis India

As a science-based and patient-oriented healthcare company, Novartis India strives to be a global leader in growing areas of healthcare. Following a corporate transformation Novartis globally is focused on three divisions with global scale and innovation power – pharmaceuticals, eye care and generic medicines. This has strengthened the future growth prospects of the company.

In India, the pharmaceutical business of Novartis India is focused on bone & pain, calcium portfolio, gynaecology and neurosciences and the generics business is focused on gynaecology, anti-TB and anti-infectives.

Novartis India has the lowest attrition rate among multinational drug companies, despite its problems over patent protection of its anti-cancer drug Glivec and a proposed reorganisation of some businesses as part of a global plan. The HR head has worked hard at infusing talent into the company and building capabilities. Her biggest challenge is continuing the accelerated growth agenda of the company with key focus on the patients they serve.

A few years ago, in a move to penetrate deep into the Indian rural market, Novartis India initiated efforts through its new business model Arogya Parivar. In what can be termed as a first of its kind effort by a big pharma in India, through this strategic initiative Novartis India plans to specifically address the health needs of rural India –where about 72% of the country’s population lives – by meeting the medical needs of the population. As part of the initiative, Novartis India employed health educators to create awareness among the rural population on diseases, prevention and treatments.

Arogya Parivar has been made operational in the country with the cooperation from hospitals and big NGOs.