Fresenius Group's initial relief assists over 185,000 Haiti earthquake victims

Fresenius is coordinating efforts throughout its global corporate organization in response to the Haitian earthquake tragedy. Within the first two weeks of the initial major quake, company operations worldwide teamed up with other entities to overcome the catastrophic logistics challenge and funneled assistance to over 185,000 Haiti earthquake victims mainly through government agencies and established international disaster-relief and humanitarian-aid organizations.

From company locations in Latin and North America, Fresenius Medical Care and Fresenius Kabi have spearheaded the Group's endeavors to channel a combination of medicine, medical supplies and lifesaving aid to victims in the earthquake region. The first emergency airlift in which the company participated arrived in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, five days after the initial temblor devastated the island republic.

To help provide essential medical aid and address pressing health needs in the devastated region, Fresenius Kabi operations in Chile responded promptly by shipping infusion solutions, anesthetics and anti-infectives as well as medical devices. The donation was airlifted by government-chartered aircraft one week after the first quake hit Haiti.

Fresenius Kabi's U.S.-based operations APP Pharmaceuticals donated a broad range of anti-infectives for the treatment of nearly 175,000 patients suffering from wound infections which typically accompany traumatic injuries, as well as help reduce the chance of infections following surgical procedures. These products also are helpful in treating other infections that could arise in the aftermath of a major natural disaster such as an earthquake. APP Pharmaceuticals also sent another shipment of intravenously administered drugs that will be used by surgeons and other health care professionals currently treating the injured in Haiti. The medications, which will treat 10,000 patients, include the anticoagulant heparin and anesthetic as well as anti-infective and anti-inflammatory medications.

Fresenius Medical Care North America chartered a cargo plane from Miami to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, nine days after the first major quake, contributing 10,000 pounds (4.5 metric tons) of dialysis supplies for the airlift. The Fresenius Medical Care team also offered space on its plane to other companies to transport additional supplies.

In addition to coordinating joint relief efforts with other corporations, Fresenius Medical Care North America announced that the company also established a matching dollar-for-dollar fund for donations made by employees. As a relief contributor, Fresenius Medical Care North America continues to play a leadership role within a health care cooperative which includes all dialysis providers, dialysis network members, industry groups and related government response authorities. This group has been meeting regularly to coordinate and mobilize joint efforts and resources to assist Haiti.

Fresenius is pursuing further relief measures and will continue to monitor the situation and provide assistance as warranted by needs in the region.