Adcock Ingram CEO on what the company is doing to protect its employees from COVID-19

Pharmaceutical manufacturer Adcock Ingram is set to reopen its critical care manufacturing facility after facing a COVID-19 scare when an employee tested positive for the virus. The company has swiftly responded by testing all other employees who had come into contact with the infected individual, with results showing them to be negative. Andy Hall, the CEO of Adcock Ingram, discussed the challenges faced by the company in running its labs during the pandemic. With close to 2,000 employees across three factories and distribution centers in the Johannesburg area, managing operations amidst the pandemic has proven to be a daunting task. The specific facility where the positive case was identified has about 800 employees working in shifts, all of whom were tested for the virus following the incident. Fortunately, all primary contacts of the infected employee tested negative, providing some assurance to the company's proactive approach to health and safety measures. Despite the positive case, Adcock Ingram has been relatively fortunate in avoiding further instances within the company, attributing it to the stringent protocols implemented since the onset of the pandemic. However, with the potential relaxation of lockdown measures, the company remains vigilant and prepared for any eventuality. Andy Hall emphasized the need for readiness as the country braces for potential increases in COVID-19 cases with the easing of restrictions. While Adcock Ingram does not conduct COVID-specific testing in-house, the company's focus remains on pharmaceutical manufacturing, particularly intravenous drips for both public and private sectors in South Africa. Testing for the virus is outsourced to private pathology laboratories, ensuring efficient and accurate results. The resilience and adaptability displayed by Adcock Ingram in response to the COVID-19 crisis highlight the company's commitment to safeguarding its employees' well-being while maintaining essential pharmaceutical operations. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, companies like Adcock Ingram exemplify the importance of proactive measures and robust protocols to ensure business continuity and employee safety.