AmeriCares Spirit of Humanity Awards recognize individuals, organizations for outstanding contributions to healthcare

Mumbai, March 6, 2010: Recognizing the role of individuals and organizations in improving healthcare delivery in the country, AmeriCares, a global non-profit international disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization conferred the Americares Spirit of Humanity Awards here today. In a ceremony at ITC Grand Central, Parel, Mumbai, the awards were conferred in 9 different categories on individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions towards improving healthcare and towards empowering people to make informed health choices.

AmeriCares vision is to help people around the world live longer, healthier lives by supplying critical medicines & improved healthcare in response to disasters & ongoing humanitarian needs. Since its inception in 1982, AmeriCares has delivered aid worth US$9 billion worldwide. In view of the gaps in healthcare delivery in India, the role of individual enterprise and of organizations working outside the government domain assumes particular significance. AmeriCares, which has been working in India for the last 15 years took a pioneering step to honor individuals and organizations that have made significant and lasting contributions to healthcare through these Awards.

The awards are being seen not only as a recognition of some exemplary work done but also as a means of garnering more support for the cause of providing humanitarian aid to the needy. Said Dr Swati Piramal, President of ASSOCHAM and Vice Chairperson of Piramal Lifesciences, “Being in the position I am in, I have seen the status of healthcare in different parts of India. Work of foundations like AmeriCares, is both necessary and impactful. This award program will showcase success stories from all corners of our country. This platform shall therefore enable them to generate more support as well as demonstrate how this will result in a meaningful improvement in healthcare for our society".

There is a major need for emergency disaster response in terms of medical supplies and relief in our country. Americares India, seeks to fill this gap by sourcing donating medicines and other medical supplies from various pharmaceutical companies in India and delivering these to people in need. In 2009 alone, Americares India delivered shipments of medicines to 15 states and 43 partners in India and to 10 countries beyond India. The recent work done by AmeriCares India during floods in Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka demonstrated that a lot of lives can be saved if interventions are made early enough.

Said the US based philanthropist Rebecca Schneider, “AmeriCares is an organization that is quite impressive. When I think of them, words that come to mind are dedication, leadership, and individuals that are motivated and passionate - making a successful team. The work of AmeriCares India is of great interest to me especially since I truly believe that the Indian culture is very beautiful and gentle. I'm looking forward to continuing to support the work of AmeriCares, and consider it an honor”.

With these awards AmeriCares hopes to encourage more individuals and organizations to step forward and help in the task of providing healthcare services to those in need. The inaugural awards event this year witnesses nine award categories including Child Nutrition, Oncology, Dermatology, Diabetes, Gastroenterology, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and Women’s Healthcare. There was also a special Jury’s choice award. Lending a magical touch to the evening was an enthralling performance by Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan. Other dignitaries at the event included Dr. Swati Piramal, President ASSOCHAM, Paul A. Folmbosee, Consul General of United States, Mr. Ranjit Shahni, President OPPI and Raageshwari.

“These Awards will be an annual affair and the next year we hope to multiply our efforts to garner more support and momentum for the unsung heroes in healthcare” said Dr. Purvish Parikh, MD AmeriCares India.

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