India Pharma Outlook Team | Friday, 22 March 2024
A recent study conducted by SoulAce, a consulting firm specializing in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives and monitoring & evaluation, reveals that Indian businesses have successfully spearheaded CSR health projects across diverse geographies, ranging from urban centers to remote rural areas.
The study, which covers over 100 impact assessment studies conducted in FY 2022-23, highlights that these initiatives have effectively reduced the burden on public healthcare institutions and strengthened India's healthcare framework.
Over 70 major public and private limited companies led the CSR projects studied. SoulAce conducted in-depth studies of CSR programs that addressed the unique health needs and challenges of distinct population groups nationwide.
These included the migrant population, women and children, impoverished communities, and older people. Regarding geography, the report studied CSR healthcare projects running in rural areas, urban slums, tribal zones, and remote regions.
Adarsh Kataruka, MD of SoulAce, commented, “CSR programs in healthcare go a long way in helping businesses serve the communities they work with. Our impact assessment projects run by large corporations and foundations across India are a testament to these programs' positive impact on the ground.
For companies, launching CSR programs and helping the communities they work with creates goodwill among customers, attracts talent, and creates a positive image in the market. This momentum is likely to pick up shortly.”
The report sheds light on the country's complex healthcare landscape, focusing on regional inconsistencies, gender disparities, out-of-pocket expenses, and evolving healthcare needs in the wake of urbanization.
As a signatory to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), India's commitment to addressing these challenges is paramount, and the report emphasizes the pivotal role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in addressing healthcare disparities and contributing to this cause.