Medical device companies continue to contribute to support the humanitarian emergency in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion of the country last month.
Last week, Henry Schein, Siemens Healthineers, Conformis, Roche, Medicom and Philips announced initiatives to support the crisis — including matching employee donations, sending supplies or donating money to support families in Ukraine. The World Health Organization also announced that it was sending “essential medical supplies” to Ukraine — including its first shipment of 36 metric tons of supplies for trauma care and emergency surgery and other health supplies — to meet the needs of more than 150,000 patients.
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) is one of the latest companies to announce its support of Ukraine. The New Brunswick, New Jersey-based company said it is donating $5 million to support the work of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and International Federation Red Cross and Red Crescent to provide humanitarian support for refugees in border countries. It is also donating hygiene kits, health packets and medical supplies to the country. Johnson & Johnson said it is also launching an unlimited matching program for global employees with its Global Giving Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund.
“At Johnson & Johnson, we believe we are responsible to the communities in which we live and work and to the world community as well. We will continue to support those most directly impacted and are committed to providing access to our essential medical products in the countries where we operate, in compliance with current international sanctions,” the company said in a news release.
Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX) also announced in a LinkedIn post that it is working to keep colleagues in the region safe to support ongoing access to healthcare. The Marlborough, Massachusetts-based company is donating to the International Red Cross through the Boston Scientific Foundation Europe and will match employee donations to designated organizations to support relief efforts.
“We join the global community in expressing our compassion and grief for the many lives tragically lost and the many more who are suffering due to the war in Ukraine,” Boston Scientific said. “Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our people, and we are doing what we can to support this humanitarian crisis.”
Medtech trade group AdvaMed announced work with the U.S. and Ukrainian governments to donate medical supplies to the region. The group provided recommendations for needed medical supplies and organizations to send cash donations to, including the American Red Cross, Americares, Airline, Good360, International Medical Corps, Project Hope, Save the Children, UNHCR and UNICEF USA. Read the list of medical supplies needed in Ukraine and surrounding regions here.
Abbott (NYSE:ABT) announced that it is donating $2 million to humanitarian organizations to support Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees. The Abbott Park, Illinois-based company is donating to International Medical Corps, Americares and Project HOPE to deliver emergency and primary healthcare services, supplies and basic needs to the region.
“Abbott stands with the international community condemning the war and the violence in Ukraine against its people and calls for peace,” Abbott said in a news release. “We were able to ensure ample supply of our health care products in Ukraine and we will do everything we can to continue serving the Ukrainian people, including donating products based on our ability to do so through appropriate channels.”
Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) announced that it is providing aid to employees and their families in the entire affected area through its Medtronic Employee Assistance Program. The Friedly, Minnesota-based company is also facilitating resources to assist those relocating to other countries and those who have chosen to stay and shelter, according to a news release. The Medtronic Foundation activated emergency humanitarian aid in Ukraine through a number of international relief organizations, like Project Hope, to assist in the deployment of emergency medical supplies and primary care medical teams for impacted communities on the Ukrainian border. Medtronic is also matching employee contributions 2:1 through the Medtronic Foundation.
“It is important to remember, during these complicated times, that individual employees are distinct from their governments’ actions, and our priority is the physical safety and emotional well-being of all our people everywhere. Our EMEA and Russian leadership are ensuring our employees in Russia are also supported as they navigate the experience of living in a country at war,” CEO Geoff Martha said in a news release. “To our Ukrainian colleagues and the Ukrainian people, you have our full support and our hearts go out to you. We will continue to hope for peace.”
N-95 and PPE maker 3M (NYSE:MMM) said it has suspended its business in Russia. The Maple Grove, Minnesota-based company has multiple corporate offices in Russia and Ukraine.
“After re-assessing our business in Russia, we have decided to suspend all business operations there,” the company said, Reuters reports.
Honeywell (NYSE:HON) is suspending all sales, distribution and service activities in Russia and Belarus, the Charlotte, N.C. company said in a news release.
“Our number one priority continues to be the safety and security of our employees and partners in the region and responding to their immediate needs. Our collective thoughts are with the millions of refugees and we hope to see a peaceful resolution quickly,” Honeywell said.
This is a developing story. We will update as more companies release information.
Updated March 10.