Patient education
A key barrier to healthcare access is often a lack of health knowledge — patients do not recognize symptoms or delay the long, expensive journey to see a doctor. Beyond medicine donations and access programs, Novartis works to empower patients by expanding health education in the developing and developed world.
In Mexico and elsewhere in Latin America, Novartis works with doctors on programs to:
- Educate patients
- Raise disease awareness
- Review therapeutic options
- Highlight the importance of keeping to a prescribed treatment regimen
In the US, Novartis partners with health insurers to educate patients about the importance of completing a full treatment course. Discounts are passed on by the insurer to patients who complete a full treatment course. This program has helped to reduce drop-off rates significantly. We also work with insurers in Brazil to extend coverage to non-hospital treatment, making it easier for people to gain access to medicines when they are not hospitalized.
Our commitments in action
Meeting the healthcare needs at the bottom of the pyramid
Novartis created the Arogya Parivar initiative by applying an innovative business model to the health needs of India’s rural population. Arogya hosts educational health camps across India to raise awareness about diseases and preventive health measures.
Support for multiple sclerosis patients
The Gilenya Go ProgramTM provides multiple sclerosis patients with tools to help manage their illness. A website answers common questions about MS, while the program gives patients access to MS-related resources. These include reminders on taking medicines, advice on establishing and maintaining dialogue with medical practitioners, exercise ideas, information on MS-specific events and additional information resources.
