May 2022:

In the annual survey patient groups 76% of patient groups worldwide stated that pharma had been “Very Effective” or “Effective” at providing support to patients during the Covid-19 pandemic, an increase on 2020 when 61% stated the same.

This finding was repeated in most countries worldwide:

“Getting a vaccine in so short time is brilliant.”– National respiratory patient group, Ireland

“They have continued to deliver medicines despite international cargo transportation problems due to the pandemic.”– National cancer patient group, Panama

“I think the collaborative approach to mobilising resources during the pandemic has by and large improved the reputation of the pharma industry. It has demonstrated the contribution they make. It may also have highlighted that the level of collaboration is not normal practice.”– National cancer patient groups, UK

Percentage of respondents that stated pharma was “Very effective” or “Effective” at providing support to patient groups during the Covid pandemic, 2021 v .2020

View the full results online here: https://bit.ly/3uH7sWi

One notable exception, however, was Russia. In 2021, only 26% of the respondent Russian patient groups stated that pharma was “Very effective” or “Effective” at providing support to patients during the pandemic, showing a decrease against 40% of 2020’s Russian respondent patient groups saying the same.

Percentage of respondents (with headquarters registered in Russia) that stated pharma was “Very effective” or “Effective” at providing support to patient groups during the Covid pandemic, 2021 v .2020

One reason for this finding might be Russia’s low vaccination rates for Covid-19, compared with other countries. According to the Multilateral Leaders Task Force on Covid-19 Vaccines, by the end of the 2021 ‘Corporate Reputation’ survey period, in late-February 2022, just 50% of the Russian population had received two doses of Covid-19 vaccines. The equivalent figure for Europe in general was 65%, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (Multilateral Leaders Task Force on Covid-19 Vaccines, 2022)

Of the respondent patient groups to the Corporate Reputation of Pharma survey 2021, 27 listed their country headquarters as being in Russia.

“In 2020, some intravenous antibacterial medicines required for patients with cystic fibrosis disappeared in Russia. Some pharmaceutical companies responded and provided charitable consignments, which, in consultation with the Russian Ministry of Health, have been given directly to hospitals for specific patients. Some pharmaceutical companies have refused. We understand that charitable support is voluntary, but we hoped for a humanitarian response because of the special situation.”

– National respiratory patient group, Russia

 

Footnote

The number of patient groups responding to the ‘Corporate Reputation of Pharma’ survey has grown steadily each year—reaching, in the 2021 survey, a record total of 2,150. 2021’s respondent patient groups are drawn from 89 countries across the globe, and, collectively, they carry expertise in a wide range of therapy areas.

To read more on the Corporate Reputation of Pharma 2021, download the global press release.

To find out about upcoming country reports for the Corporate Reputation of Pharma 2021 (and individual therapy areas) visit our schedule page.

Contact [email protected] to obtain the full report.