UAE healthcare provider airlifts AED1.8 million in aid to Nepal quake victims

Dr B R Shetty, Founder, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of NMC Healthcare, said: “At this time of strife and suffering it is important for all of us to come together and support those in need. This is a global mission and I encourage everyone to help the victims in any way they can as the healthcare infrastructure in Nepal is overwhelmed trying to cope with the scale of suffering. Beyond the immediate physical injuries caused by the quake, the lack of food and hygiene also presents a serious risk for the onset of epidemics in the coming days and weeks.”

The contents of the aid shipment to Nepal by the UAE’s largest private healthcare provider included antibiotics and painkillers, as well as general antiseptic, first aid kits, surgical equipment and rehabilitation materials such as crutches and braces. In addition to the medical supplies, other companies run by Dr. Shetty in the UAE, including NMC Trading, UAE Exchange and Neopharma, have organized donation drives in support of Nepal. So far, employees have contributed over 200 cartons of clothing and food products to a relief programme being organized by the Emirates Red Crescent, with more donations expected over the coming weeks.

NMC Health plc is the leading integrated healthcare provider with operations in the United Arab Emirates. NMC Healthcare commenced operations in 1975 and has grown to become the only private sector healthcare provider with a broad UAE presence. The Healthcare Division has twelve healthcare facilities and a chain of pharmacies across five cities and four emirates of the UAE. The group also operates a significant UAE wide distribution business supplying product lines across several key market segments including pharmaceutical, FMCG, food, scientific and medical equipment, veterinary as well as educational supplies.

In April 2012 NMC Health plc became the first healthcare company from the GCC and the first from Abu Dhabi to be listed on the premium segment of the London Stock Exchange, and is part of the prestigious FTSE 250 index.