Sanofi-aventis to support Isha Mobile Health Clinics

26 August, 2006

Coimbatore, August 26, 2006 Acknowledging the grass root level initiatives undertaken by Isha Foundation in the rural areas of South India, pharmaceutical major Sanofi-aventis India has come forward to support the endeavour.

Sanofi-aventis, the third largest pharmaceutical group in the world, has a long association with Isha. It was the first company to partner with Isha Foundation in the tsunami relief operations in Tamil Nadu and has subsequently participated in primary health care delivery through the Foundation's Action for Rural Rejuvenation social outreach program.

The company has sponsored one of the 19 Mobile Health Clinics operated by the Foundation. In continuing its commitment to community welfare, it will finance Rs.24 lakhs this year. To be made available in two instalments, the funds will be directed towards the operational expenses of the mobile health clinic. The company has also promised to donate medicines for use in the clinics.

Presenting the first instalment of Rs.12 lakhs to Isha Foundation, Dr Shailesh Ayyangar, Managing Director of Sanofi expressed his admiration for the inspirational work being carried out in the rural areas with so much passion, integrity and dedication by Isha volunteers. Dr Ayyangar, who was accompanied by senior directors, Mr Pradeep Vaishnav, Human Resources and Mr Shirish Goghe, Public Affairs & Administration, also discussed further potential collaborations in the area of health care.

Action for Rural Rejuvenation program is a pioneering social outreach program initiated in August 2003 by Sadhguru, founder of Isha Foundation. The program aims to revitalize neglected rural societies by providing medical relief, and introduces villagers to both indigenous and modern methods of personal and community development.

Central to the project are the Mobile Health Clinics which currently operate in over 2,000 villages in the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in South India. They provide primary health care - dispensing free medicines and creating health awareness under the guidance of qualified allopathic doctors, who are also trained in alternative medicine and yogic health care.

For further details contact:

Kumar 94437 31964