ENLIVEN PATIENT ASSISTANT PROJECT: AN INITIATIVE OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AMONG THE BLOOD CANCER PATIENTS IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

This prospective, observational study initiated by one of the leading pharmaceutical company in Bangladesh to practice CSR in their corporate values and accordingly, established a project called Enliven Patient Assistant Program (EPAP) to support low socioeconomic group of Philadelphia Chromosome positive, CML (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia) type of blood cancer patients. The project is continuing 3 years with enlisting 55 patients from 2005 to till now (May 2007). The gender ratio of the project is male: female=41:14. Maximum patients were within the age of 34-43 (30.9%) years, followed by 25-34 (29%) years. Among them, majorities are Muslim 85%. The occupational pattern shows that 45.5% are service holder. The project is serving the low income group those annual income is BDT=500-6600 (US$=7.00-94.00) covering about 72.7%. The project reflects one of the landmarks for practicing CSR in Bangladesh Pharmaceutical industry.