Novartis Pharma Services Inc.’s Malta office organised a basic first aid training course for employees at its office in Marsa. This course was run by the Malta Red Cross. The employees were issued with an internationally recognised certificate valid for three years and which is locally recognised by the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre and the Occupational Health and Safety Authority.
The training incorporated practical and interactive learning, giving participants the confidence and ability to put the theory into practice and to cope with real-life emergency situations.
Investing in our people has always been a strategic imperative for Novartis Malta
Anna Scicluna, trainer at Malta Red Cross, said: “Delivering this course has been a pleasure since all participants were motivated and keen on learning about first aid treatment. They learnt all about signs and symptoms and performed life-saving manoeuvres which they might need to make use of should they encounter a medical emergency, both in their workplace as well as in their everyday life.”
“I would like to commend Novartis Malta for giving the opportunity to their employees to learn how to be able to deal with a medical emergency, which may in some cases, lead to saving a life,” she added.
The first aid training was met with positive feedback from employees. One recipient said: “It was a great opportunity.
The course was very practical. I am now confident that I can make a difference in an emergency situation.”
Novartis Malta has developed a number of initiatives to promote employee well-being. In this regard, the company has organised a series of well-being sessions during the annual ‘Healthy Week’, which incorporate talks on nutrition and healthy eating options, medical check-ups and physical exercise sessions.
This year, Novartis Pharma employees are taking part once again in the Global Corporate Challenge: Employee Health and Performance Programme. GCC works with businesses all over the world to improve employee health, performance and engagement.
“Investing in our people and in our community has always been a strategic imperative for Novartis Malta,” said Ivan Micallef, general manager of Novartis Malta and Cyprus.
“This first aid training most certainly supports our vision,” he added.