Blogs of Note

The Canadian Cynic has written a scathing little commentary on Pfizer's pledge of donating $35 million to help the tsunami victims. It's a noble offer, and one that is needed. However, as the CC points out, $25 million of that will be in the form of Pfizer's drugs. Had the money been donated in cash, I wonder how much it would actually cost to buy the generic equivalents? The drugs quoted by CC are antibacterial drugs, all of which have generic equivalents available on the market for a cheaper price. If Pfizer was really feeling charitable, they would lower the price to the equivalent generics and donate that amount. The drugs are definitely needed, especially since by WHO estimates, disease could kill as many people as the tsunami did.

"Unless the necessary funds are urgently mobilized and coordinated in the field," commented Dr David Nabarro, WHO Representative for Health Action in Crises, "we could see as many fatalities from diseases as we have seen from the actual disaster itself. The tsunami was not preventable, but preventing unnecessary deaths and suffering is."

In this time of need, everyone, including global companies, need to put aside their fixation on shareholder value tend to humanity. Yes, take your tax write off Pfizer, but don't take advantage of the helpless and dying -- don't victimize those that are already victims. Show that you can rise above the short term, build your brand as one that is caring, and give back to the world. This is an opportune time to show your qualities -- the world is now your stage, and everyone is watching.