Novartis Malta promotes employee well-being

Novartis Pharma Services Inc., representative office in Malta organised a basic First Aid training course for employees at its office in Marsa. The course was run by the Malta Red Cross. The participating employees were issued with an internationally recognised certificate which is valid for three years and locally recognised by both the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre (MQRIC) and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority as per LN 348 of 2011.

The training incorporated both practical and interactive learning, giving participants the confidence and ability to put the theory into practice and to cope with real-life emergency situations.

Anna Scicluna, trainer at Malta Red Cross said: “Delivering this course has been a pleasure, because all the participants were motivated and keen on learning about first aid treatment. They learnt all about signs and symptoms and performed life-saving manoeuvres which they may need to make use of, should they encounter a medical emergency – either in their place of work or in their everyday life.

“I would like to commend Novartis Malta for giving their employees the opportunity to learn how to deal with a medical emergency, which may in some cases, lead to saving a life” she added.

The First Aid training was met with positive feedback from employees. One recipient said: “It was a great opportunity. The course was very practical. I am now con- fident that I could make a difference in an emergency situation.”

Novartis Malta has developed a number of initiatives to promote employee wellbeing. In this regard, the company organised a series of wellbeing sessions during the annual Healthy Week which incorporate talks on nutrition and healthy eating options, medical check-ups and physical exercise sessions. This year, Novartis Pharma employees are once more taking part in the Global Corporate Challenge® ( GCC): Employee Health and Performance Programme. GCC works with businesses all over the world to improve employee health, performance and engagement.

“Investing in our people and in our community has always been a strategic imperative for Novartis Malta” said Ivan Micallef, General Manager of Novartis Malta and Cyprus. “This First Aid training most certainly supports our vision” he added.