The latest unemployment numbers were announced by the US Department of Labor yesterday, and were higher than expected. It was also announced yesterday that there will be many auto dealers closing as a part of the industry-wide restructuring.
While this is an extremely tough time for many, it seems like a good time to remind people about GSK's Patient Assistance Programs, which have been in place since December 2000.
Since about half of Americans have at least one chronic disease--many of which can be managed but often require medication--we're concerned about the health of those who have lost their jobs and health insurance. We're proud to be able to offer free medicines to those who have lost their jobs and meet the income eligibility guidelines. GSK's patient assistance programs do not limit help based on when a person lost his or her job or how long he or she has been taking GSK medicines.
GSK gives away medicines valued at more than $1 million each day to those who need help. We encourage those who have lost their jobs, lack health insurance or who are facing economic hardship to visit our website (www.gskforyou.com) to get more information and see if one of our programs can help them maintain or gain access to the medicines they need.
This is indeed a time of great stress and hardship for many Americans, and we want to do all that we can to support good health through improved access to medicines.
I applaud your well made page - even if it will be interpreted by some as just PR, I think it is a useful 'gift' to those in need.
More companies should participate in this kind of promotional activity, as it costs little but the positive brand impression is priceless. It is truly a shame the way the pharmaceutical industry has had it's image dragged through the mud as of late. Efforts like this one, as unheralded and humble as it may seem will, I think, eventually bear an enormous amount of appreciative consumer fruit.
Thanks for your comment, John. Everything we do to bring new medicines to market won't make much of a difference if people can't afford our products or don't have access to them--especially for those with chronic conditions. We recognize that this is a time of great economic stress and hardship for many people in the US. But there is no season for need--in fact, since the inception of GSK, we have offered free medicines to those who lack insurance or have lost their jobs. Sure, patients must meet income eligibility guidelines but they are generous and are regularly reviewed to determine if they remain appropriate. GSK’s patient assistance programs do not limit help based on when a person lost their job or their insurance or how long they have been taking GSK medicines.
We encourage those who have lost their jobs, lack health insurance or who are facing economic hardship to visit our website (www.gskforyou.com) to get more information and see if one of our programs can help them out.
What happened to the idea of a "50 percent discount on GSK medicines to patients younger than 65 years old who lack prescription drug insurance, regardless of their income" which was promised in the errant May 7, 2009 press release?
I know that this PR was an error, but what about the idea? Does GSK now also consider that an "error" or do you believe that the current PAP and other programs you have go far enough in these difficult times? I note that these other programs have income requirements and not all GSK drugs are covered.
John Mack, Editor & Publisher
Pharma Marketing News/Pharma Marketing Blog