Contribution of CSR in promoting good health and well being of community
The corporate hub can make tremendous contributions in promoting good health and well being, especially if innovative CSR initiatives are undertaken in partnership with government and civil society.
The healthcare system worldwide is observing significant issues arising from a shift in diseases, an increase of non-communicable and chronic disorders, Baby Boomers and an aging population, a fragmented healthcare system, commercialization of healthcare and increases in the cost of care while countries are facing a shrinking healthcare budget. Moreover, there is very little anticipation and slow response by authorities to tackle such challenges. Many government bodies are engaged in the management of diseases, and are not at all close to the prevention programs, which presents a major problem.
Certainly, primary healthcare with a focus on prevention programs can bring relief. Collective experience with globally shared learning and understanding could be utilized more productively, and it would certainly bring better results. Needless to say, prevention should be the prime focus of any healthcare system or reform.
A good Corporate Social Responsibility initiative will provide great platform for Healthcare Education and Prevention.
For decades, business has been engaged in charity, philanthropy, and civic activities including social investments in health, however oftentimes these investments were less than strategic, and were not directed to real social change. Today, business understands that viewed through lenses of “doing well by doing good,” CSR can be a revolutionary way of contributing to systemic social changes in which investments can produce lasting social benefits in the health arena.