As healthcare systems worldwide grapple with rising inequities, antimicrobial resistance, and the growing burden of complex diseases, corporate social responsibility is increasingly emerging as a critical pillar in strengthening public health systems and community resilience. In India, Pfizer has been building a healthcare-focused CSR approach that combines scientific expertise with community-led interventions to improve healthcare access and patient support. From Project Aastha, which supports cancer and rare disease patients through counselling, financial guidance, and hospital navigation, to initiatives addressing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), the company’s programmes seek to address some of India’s most pressing healthcare challenges. Beyond healthcare delivery, Pfizer’s CSR interventions also focus on strengthening public health infrastructure, supporting healthcare innovation, and expanding educational opportunities in the medical field. In this exclusive interaction, Sharad Goswami, Senior Director Global Policy and International Public Affairs at Pfizer, discusses how the company is leveraging global expertise and local partnerships to build more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable healthcare solutions in India.
Explore the full interview below.
Q&A
Q. Pfizer is a global pharmaceutical major with deep scientific capabilities. How does this global expertise shape the vision and strategy behind Pfizer’s CSR initiatives in India, particularly in addressing systemic health inequities?
A. Our purpose, "Breakthroughs that Change Patients' Lives," is our guiding star, not just as a pharmaceutical organisation but as a responsible corporate citizen, and hence it shapes our CSR strategy as well. Our commitment goes far beyond the laboratory; it is to innovate and to ensure our innovations reach the people who need them the most. We harness our scientific differentiation and global legacy to reduce inequities and improve access across the world and in India – to medicines, expertise, care, technology and much more. By aligning with national health priorities like combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and improving cancer care, and with strong ecosystem partnerships with the Government, NGOs, and hospitals and healthcare organizations, our goal is to build a healthier, more equitable India for all.
Q. Aastha is described as Pfizer India’s flagship CSR programme supporting cancer and rare disease patients. What specific gaps in India’s patient care ecosystem led to Aastha's design, and what measurable outcomes has the programme achieved so far?
A. A diagnosis of cancer or a rare disease can be overwhelming. For many, the struggle extends beyond clinical treatment – there could be delays in diagnosis, the stress of an uncertain journey, and often a complex hospital system to navigate, sometimes far from home.
Project Aastha was born from a deep empathy for patients and caregivers and to provide a support system on their healthcare journey. Since its inception in 2021, the program has had a profound impact across both cancer and rare disease support:
Cancer Care: In partnership with Doctors for You, Project Aastha has reached nearly 9 lakh patients and their caregivers. We have established 15 helpdesks in major government hospitals, providing crucial non-clinical support—from hospital navigation and financial aid guidance to emotional counselling.
Rare Disease Care: Recognizing the unique and immense challenges faced by patients, we launched dedicated Aastha Helpdesks in key institutions like AIIMS Delhi and NIMS Hyderabad. Since 2025, this initiative has already registered over 47,000 patients, conducted more than 15,000 emotional support and counselling sessions and assisted over 1,100 patients in applying for government aid, with hundreds successfully receiving financial support.
By addressing critical non-clinical needs, Aastha offers a pillar of strength, helping patients and their families navigate the immense challenges of their treatment with dignity and hope.
Q. A unique feature of this program is that it goes beyond treatment to include navigation support, financial guidance, and emotional counselling. Could you tell us how this holistic approach has helped achieve better outcomes vis-à-vis an exclusively treatment-centric approach?
A. True healing happens when you care for the person and their journey, not just the disease. A purely treatment-centric approach often misses the profound human toll of a serious illness. Our model is about providing useful information, comfort and counselling, financial guidance and restoring a sense of control to patients. When we help a family find a place to stay, connect them with life-saving financial aid, or simply offer a listening ear, we ease the burden. This allows patients and carers to focus on what matters most – their health and recovery.
Q. India is widely recognised as a global hotspot for Antimicrobial Resistance. From Pfizer’s perspective, what are the most critical drivers of AMR in India today, and where do you see the biggest gaps in current responses?
A. Antimicrobial Resistance is a looming threat, and India is at its epicenter. The overuse and misuse of antimicrobials is fuelling this crisis, which is projected to claim up to 2 million lives in India annually by 2050. The most significant gaps are seen in the urgent need for robust infection control programs and dedicated antimicrobial stewardship, especially in smaller hospitals. This is an urgent call to action for all of us— to build greater awareness and equip our healthcare professionals with the tools they need to win this race against time.
Q. Pfizer has been working on AMR through education, preventive healthcare, and collaborations with governments and NGOs. Which of these levers has proven most effective on the ground, and what have been the key learnings from these partnerships?
A. Real, lasting change happens when we work together, and in close coordination with our partners. Our collaboration with Americares India Foundation on "Project Parivartan" is a testament to this belief. By embedding ourselves in hospitals and working closely with their staff, we've seen a transformative impact. Here is a snapshot:
- A remarkable 30% average reduction in hospital-acquired infections and 24% drop in multi-drug-resistant organisms.
- Knowledge truly becomes power; healthcare workers showed an average 95% gain in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) knowledge.
We also created an evidence-based blueprint for success that now guides other hospitals, proving that with commitment and collaboration, it is possible to combat AMR.
Q. Public health infrastructure remains uneven across Indian states. Can you share specific examples of how Pfizer’s support to government health facilities has strengthened emergency response or improved patient outcomes?
A. While public health infrastructure caters to millions across the country, it needs strong public-private collaboration for sustained impact. Project Aastha helpdesks serve as a humane touchpoint within the bustling corridors of large government hospitals, easing the journey for thousands of patients. Project Parivartan makes hospitals safer sanctuaries for healing, proven by the 30% reduction in hospital-acquired infections. We continually explore and evaluate more ways of deepening our contribution to the public healthcare system.
Q. Many CSR programmes struggle to move from pilots to scale. What has been Pfizer’s approach to designing CSR initiatives that are not only locally relevant but also scalable and sustainable over time?
A. Our approach to designing scalable, sustainable CSR initiatives is based on deep collaboration and strategic alignment with NGOs and government bodies.
For Project Parivartan, a key goal was to create a "blueprint" with proven results, which has been published and shared to inspire and guide other hospitals, enabling implementation at scale. Project Aastha, starting from 1 helpdesk is now a proven model scaled to 15 helpdesks, with a clear vision for more.
Q. From a policy and public affairs standpoint, how important is alignment with government health priorities when shaping Pfizer’s CSR strategy in India?
A. The government’s national health priorities are a shared commitment for us. Our focus on AMR, cancer care and rare disease support, with other patient advocacy and assistance initiatives is a direct response to the Government's call to action and a reflection of where we can make the most meaningful difference. This synergy is essential to ensuring impact and collaboration with public institutions, which is critical for creating lasting change.
Q. Based on Pfizer’s experience, what are the biggest structural or operational challenges that corporates face when working in complex areas like cancer care, rare diseases, or AMR in India?
A. From our perspective, the biggest challenges in having an operationally sound healthcare ecosystem include:
- Navigating a complex and fragmented healthcare system with differing levels of infrastructure across states.
- Addressing the significant gaps in health infrastructure and the availability of trained healthcare personnel, especially at the grassroots level.
- Driving sustained behavioral change, whether it’s promoting rational antibiotic use among providers and patients, or increasing public awareness about early disease detection.
- Overcoming the barrier of treatment affordability remains a persistent challenge for a large section of the population.
Q. Apart from Projects Aastha and Parivartan, Pfizer’s CSR programs extend to medtech, including the successful INDovation program. Tell us more about how you support innovation and innovators in India.
A. The INDovation Program is our commitment to fostering the next wave of healthcare breakthroughs, born right here in India. We actively seek out and support visionary Healthtech startups, fast-tracking their journey from a concept to a real-world solution, or providing them with the right support, mentorship and go-to-market aid to make their offerings successful. With support from our partners like DPIIT, Department of Pharmaceuticals and NITI Aayog, the program offers two distinct pathways— an ‘Incubation Track’ to help refine market-ready products and a ‘Deployment Track’ to roll out approved solutions in public health settings like Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, ensuring these innovations create tangible, life-saving impact.
In the 2025 edition, we selected 14 inspiring startups, out of an applicant pool of 300+ medtechs, working in critical areas like Immunization, NCDs (non-communicable diseases), Brain Health, Oncology and Maternal and Child Health. Each of them received a ₹60 lakh grant and 18 months of dedicated incubation support by Pfizer and its partners. We saw some very interesting innovations like a digital stethoscope, and tools for early detection for cervical and breast cancer, antibacterial infection in infants etc. and are excited to see their further successes.
Q. Finally, drawing from Pfizer’s on-ground learnings, what key recommendations would you offer policymakers and development stakeholders to accelerate progress on healthcare access, equity, and preparedness in India?
A. While our healthcare systems serve millions of patients, we can always look at areas of further enhancements. Firstly, to accelerate progress, we must champion deeper public-private partnerships, as no single entity can solve healthcare challenges alone. Secondly, we must continue to invest in our greatest asset: our country’s healthcare professionals, through training and infrastructure support. Thirdly, we must advocate for a more holistic, patient-centric model of care. Finally, we need to scale up successful models for and continue to boost public awareness and health education. Together, with shared purpose and collaboration, we can build a healthier future for all Indians
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