Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche to study expansion in PHL

As it marked 50 years of presence in the Philippines, Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche is looking into possible opportunities for expansion, upon the prodding of Philippine ambassador to Switzerland Leslie Baja. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Baja had invited Roche CEO Dr. Severin Schwan to expand Roche’s operations in the Philippines. “(Baja) invited Roche to further expand its operations in the country, including in the information technology (IT) and the business process outsourcing (BPO) sectors.  Dr. Schwan replied that he would look into it and find opportunities for Roche,” the DFA said. Baja met with Schwan at the Roche headquarters in Basel last April 25. The company's corporate responsibility (CSR) programs include partnership with the San Lazaro Hospital HIV/Aids Center, working with MyShelter Foundation in providing a sustainable lighting project to underprivileged communities. It also has Oncology Access Program and Hepatitis Tiered Pricing Program that implement socialized pricing for diagnosis and treatment of cancer and hepatitis patients. During the meeting, Baja congratulated Roche for its 50 years of presence in the country and expressed appreciation for its continuing partnership with the Philippines through the company's CSR programs. He also thanked Roche for its assistance in natural disasters and in making health care and medicines accessible to the public. “Roche Philippines is in both the pharmaceutical and diagnostic businesses, including oncology and diabetic care.  It has bagged a significant share in the Philippine pharmaceutical market and has consistently been rated as one of the top multinational pharmaceutical companies in the country,” the DFA said. The DFA also noted 2012 is an important year in Philippine-Swiss relations as the two countries commemorate the 150th year when Switzerland established its first consulate in Asia (in Manila) on November 18, 1862. Earlier, Baja met with officials of Caritas Switzerland which is celebrating 40 years of presence in the Philippines this year.  Last year, Nestle Philippines celebrated 100 years in the country. — LBG, GMA News