For Eric Lemay , Head of Global External Manufacturing at Servier , the COVID-19 pandemic shone a spotlight on the importance of the supply chain .

Servier ’ s Operation Warp Speed saw collaboration between private business and public governments to speed up vaccine development , creating 300mn COVID-19 vaccines .

“ It was a really phenomenal programme ,” said Lemay .

The downside of that was , in putting vaccine development ahead of everything else , oncology medicines were deemed less essential . Lemay spoke with his industry peers , where he was able to discuss the challenges of prioritising COVID-19 vaccines , especially for those fighting cancer .

“ At Servier , we understand the importance of getting lifesaving medicines to the patients who need it ,” said Lemay . “ Within my role in manufacturing and supply chain , it ' s about ensuring that our patients get the medicines and that they never miss a treatment .”

� FLAIR FLAIR uses data to protect ethnically marginalised employees in healthcare from discrimination . While there has been progress , inequities exist and there is a need to build inclusive workplaces for the benefit of patients and staff .

� PAYMENT OF APPRECIATION TO AUSTRALIAN HEALTHCARE WORKERS The Australian state of New South Wales has thanked its healthcare workers for fighting COVID-19 with a payment of AU $ 3,000 . It is hoped that this will also help to retain talented staff .

� E-SCOOTERS As the transport sector works to become more sustainable , e-scooters offer a long-term solution for congested cities . But while e-scooters do lower air pollution , they also increase road accidents – causing a headache for the healthcare sector .

� INFERTILITY STIGMA Africa ’ s First Ladies and The Merck Foundation stand together against genderbased violence and infertility stigma . Together , they call for girls education The Merck Foundation , the philanthropic sector of Merck KGaA Germany , held its 4th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative this month , to call for an end to the social stigma caused by infertility .

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