Let us take a closer look at each priority, starting with
awareness. In most countries in Asia, health authorities
place a high priority on cancer. At the same time, many
cancer diseases are rare and not widely understood, by
patients, health authorities, or even health-care providers. In
the same manner, cancer medicines and their benefits are
often not well understood. Health-care companies need to
work closely with all of these stakeholders, educating them
about disease areas and the context in which medicines and
therapies are being introduced to treat diseases.
Novartis works with oncologists, haematologists, and
pathologists, as well as nurses and pharmacists, to advance
their understanding of disease states and the medicines and
therapies available to treat those diseases. We engage with
patient groups and advocates to help them learn more about
disease states, potential treatments and the appropriate
ways to use those medicines. Our team also uses a range of
media to supplement our educational efforts - web sites, call
centres and outreach to traditional media such as
newspapers and magazines.
Our educational efforts extend to academia, where
medical science liaisons work with thought leaders to
support them as they strive to better understand cancer
diseases and the increasing innovative treatment options
that are available. We also help to educate payers, so they
are more fully aware of the value that innovative oncology
medicines provide to people living with cancer, to society at
large, and to future generations.
The second is to focus on helping emerging markets
develop the infrastructure required to advance health care.
As these markets become more prosperous, governments
invest in infrastructure to support economic growth. Health
care companies can play a pivotal role, providing expertise in
process development, medical research, technology
systems, and the training of health-care providers.
In many countries, we partner with medical centres to help
advance their research capabilities. Much of this work
centres on conducting Novartis-initiated clinical trials that
aid in the discovery and development of new medicines and
Through engaging in a shared
commitment, health-care companies
and their government counterparts can
earn mutual trust and find practical
ways to advance cancer care and the
treatment of patients
SPONSORED FEATURE: NOVARTIS
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