Essential News

*Press release originally published by Pfizer Costa Rica.

• Pfizer’s donation allows the CCSS to minimize the exposure of patients and health professionals to COVID-19.

• An additional 250 coolers will help transport cold-chain medications to the homes of the patients who need them.

San José, June, 2020.- Pfizer, one of the world's leading and most innovative biopharmaceutical companies, donated technological equipment (hardware) to the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), in support of the institution's telemedicine program. The company also donated an additional 250 coolers to transport medications that require cold storage; this will facilitate medication delivery efforts to patient homes.

The company recognizes the importance of telemedicine, not only in response to the current COVID-19 health emergency but also for its impact on the evolution of the Costa Rican health system. For this reason, at the donation ceremony, which took place on Friday, June 5, Pfizer also delivered 24 tablets, 7 laptops, and 3 video conferencing cameras, with their respective microphones and speakers.

“Guided by our commitment to the kind of innovation that changes patient lives, we at Pfizer recognize the work of the Costa Rican Social Security Fund to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the importance of supporting our various economic and social sectors, as we fight this pandemic. By contributing both to the telemedicine program and to the delivery of cold-chain medications at home, we are able to bring value to patients while contributing to innovation and to strengthening medical care in Costa Rica,” explained Bradley Silcox, General Manager of Pfizer Central America and the Caribbean (CAC).

According to the CCSS, the donated equipment will support the efforts of virtual medical consultation between ambulatory management patients and specialists – including physiotherapists – from the National Rehabilitation Center (CENARE), San Juan de Dios Hospital, and the Specialized Care Center for COVID-19 Patients (CEACO), in order to provide proper care, to benefit the efforts of health professionals, and to ensure safety for all, in order to minimize the chance of coronavirus contagion. (1)

Likewise, the donated equipment will help to solve portability needs for CCSS Telehealth Management and will facilitate the development of additional activities, such as:

Equipment Needed for Cold-Chain Medications

Pfizer is firm in its global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and, therefore, works diligently to meet the evolving and urgent healthcare needs presented by health systems around the world, including that of Costa Rica.

The company donated 250 coolers – each with four removable and reusable ice packs – to the Costa Rican Social Security Fund, thus allowing the institution to transport cold-chain medications directly to the homes of those who need them. This will also minimize COVID-19 exposure in patients with complex diseases, such as cancer.

"As a company that safeguards patient health and quality of life, we are strongly committed to supporting authorities and governments in promoting innovative initiatives and solutions that, in accordance with local laws and regulations, make it possible to strengthen health systems, to maintain continuity of medical care for patients, and to safeguard the health and safety of both patients and professionals in the sector, "concluded Bradley Silcox.

Pfizer Inc.: Advances that Change Patient Lives

At Pfizer, we apply both science and our global resources to bring people therapies that significantly extend and improve lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety, and value in the discovery, development, and manufacturing of healthcare products. Our global portfolio includes many of the best-known drugs and vaccines in the world.

Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to increase wellness, prevention, treatments, and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world's leading and most innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with healthcare professionals, governments, and local communities to support and expand access to reliable and accessible healthcare across the globe. For over 170 years, we have worked to make a difference for all those who trust us. For more information, please visit us at www.pfizer.com and follow us on social media through our Facebook page: Pfizer Centroamérica y Caribe.

Source:

1. GIT-0657-2020 Resolución Administrativa de la Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, Gerencia Infraestructura y Tecnologías (Administrative Resolution of the CCSS Infrastructure and Technology Management Team), on May 26, 2020.