Novartis in Singapore continues to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) closely. Our focus is to ensure the health and safety of our people, the healthcare professionals we engage with daily, and to ensure the supply of our medicines to patients.
Currently, we do not anticipate any supply chain disruption. We expect that our existing stock is sufficient to cover production and distribution needs for the time being. We have solid processes in place to mitigate the risk of shortages, including safety stocks, dual sourcing and business continuity plans (as applicable).
Following the phased reopening announcement by the Singapore government, our office associates will continue to work remotely and have been strongly encouraged to stay at home. Both of our pharmaceutical manufacturing sites at Tuas Biomedical Park are in operation and will remain open with strict measures on safe distancing and split team arrangements.
In Phase 2, commencing on 19 June 2020, we will partially lift the suspension of face-to-face engagement for our field based associates with healthcare professionals (HCPs). In-person interactions with HCPs will be allowed based on the level of necessity. We will continue to encourage our associates to utilize phone and virtual options for meetings.
We have implemented the above measures to protect the health of our associates and the wider communities, including healthcare professionals and the patients we serve. Find out more about what we are doing in Singapore to support our local community here.
Globally, Novartis has quickly mobilized R&D capabilities, medicines, clinical trials expertise and philanthropic aid to address the coronavirus pandemic. To find out more about our global response, head to novartis.com/coronavirus
Novartis remains responsive to any developments regarding coronavirus and will take all necessary steps to protect our associates, healthcare professionals and patients. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and adapt our measures as the situation evolves.