What’s Up, Novartis?
    Our Gulf vision is to “Become the best; to win for Patients, Business and People”
   
     
   
Cluster Head Message
     
   

We had a busy and productive Q1, and thanks to the great efforts and contribution of each and every one of you, we closed Q1 at +5.7% vs budget, growing at +19.5% vs Q1 2016.

We maintained focus on our key priorities, with a remarkable patient share pickup for Cosentyx in SPA market in UAE and Kuwait, while maintaining the success in Psoriasis.

Entresto teams in each country are working hard to help new HF patients every day gain access to Entresto, with patients in both UAE and Kuwait Ministries of Health set to receive Entresto by end of Q2.

With regards to excellence in execution, we’re in the final steps of launching and communicating the new additions to the incentive scheme, with emphasis on rewarding our FF and FLMs who go the extra mile, and with a clear link to gaining market share in defined therapeutic areas. Additionally, by now you’re aware of the updated awards system recognizing and rewarding exceptional performers in both objectives and V&Bs.

We further strengthened the Med-Rep hierarchy, focusing on recognizing exceptionally strong performers among our FF. We have given special attention to providing a comprehensive onboarding program for new joiners in Q1 that ensures they are fully equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed in their new roles. We also upgraded the FF training curriculum to ensure our team is aligned on the way we work (helping the right patient to get the right treatment at the right time), and provide tailored training classes/workshops based on individual needs.

In acknowledgement of the critical role of our First line Managers (FLMs/Business Managers) in fostering an inclusive and inspiring culture, we launched the first module of the FLMs/ BMs capability building curriculum, focusing on skills and qualities that should positively reflect on their and their teams’ performance and individual development. Equally we have also provided many of our FF with assignments driven by business needs and that should contribute to their learning and development.

While we will continue to work on delivering our objectives in the coming part of the year, focusing on new launches and gaining market share in each therapeutic area we are present in, we will continue to dedicate efforts to develop talents and transform our culture.

I aspire to have a culture where associates feel engaged and take pride in what they do on daily basis.  A culture where people managers at all levels lead and embody our values with integrity, inspire a shared vision and common purpose, stay open to continuous learning, enable and develop their teams, build trusting relationships and recognize their teams for their great work. In summary, a great place to work culture, and I need the contribution of each and every one of you to build that culture and achieve our vision of ‘becoming the best’ to win for patients, business and people’.

     
    Business
     
   
Novartis Gulf GenMed and Oncology win Duphat 2017 congress award
     
   

Novartis Gulf GenMed and Oncology’s dynamic presence at the Duphat 2017 congress - held this March, culminated with an award recognizing our progressive and interactive participation. This was made possible by cutting-edge exhibition booths fitted with the latest digital technologies reflecting our diversified portfolio with a focus on launch-brands.

Our keynote event speaker, Dr Kasem Akhras, Head Public Affairs MENA, highlighted pharmacists’ vital role in assessing the value of medicine. Outstanding efforts by our government affairs, key account, procurement, franchise and oncology teams were instrumental in achieving this huge win for Novartis Gulf.

   
 

Mohamed Ezz with Dr. Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority

  Novartis presence at Duphat
   
   

Ibrahim Aqel, Head of BD&L and Government Affairs, and Muthana Al Saho, Brand Manager CM Kuwait & BOQ ai & MPM Gulf

     
   
UAE CPO scores “Good” in clinical development audit
     
   

We’re very happy to share that UAE CPO scored “Good” in a global clinical development audit which reviewed eight clinical studies undertaken in the Gulf. The audit evaluated the processes, systems, and controls regulating clinical trials in both General Medicine and Oncology Business Units (BU).

This rating makes UAE CPO, the second across MENA to achieve this major outcome following Egypt CPO in 2013. This rating was no easy feat; since 2012, only 19 out of 108 CPOs globally have received a “Good” rating in the clinical development audit, and since the beginning of 2016 only five out of 22 global audits were rated “Good”.

This exceptional outcome is a result of tremendous efforts involving the Clinical Operations, Quality Assurance, Medical and Regulatory Affairs teams. Their dedication and hard work allows us to strengthen our commitment to patients via quality advancement.

We hope this increases the allocation of more complex global ICRO studies, such as randomized clinical trials, for oversight by local teams. This allows patients in the region to participate and contribute more effectively to global study objectives at the highest standards and with closer observation and minimized delays.

     
   
 

Eileen Dergarabetian
Clinical Operation Lead, Gulf GenMed

 

Haneen Karazoon
Clinical Research Manager, Oncology

   
   
Rolling out Step Change - 78 UAE healthcare professionals take part in AAD congress via Vivinda TV
     
   

As part of our Step Change program, Novartis Gulf is leveraging diverse platforms to engage HCPs and allow them access to breakthrough updates shared at international medical events in their own local settings.

This year we’ve achieved unprecedented success. Under our Build pillar that aims to enhance access to high-quality education and communication among HCPs, 78 UAE doctors and healthcare professionals took part in the American Academy for Dermatology (AAD) Congress held in Orlando, Florida via our e-congress platform, Vivinda TV.

Attended by HCPs worldwide, AAD brings together established as well as up and coming leaders and experts at the forefront of dermatology for sharing groundbreaking knowledge.

     
    People
     
   
Pinnacle and President’s Club Awards approved for 2017
     
   

We’re excited to announce that the Pinnacle and President’s Club Awards have been approved this year to recognize the stellar efforts of our sales force.

Pinnacle Awards will be calculated based on sales achievement - accounting for up 70% of the total – as well as the SFE KPIs, accounting for 30%. To become eligible for the award, each medical representative and the rest of the team members need to achieve 90% of the total score.

First place award recipients in each franchise per country will receive $1000 and a certificate or trophy per quarter award. Second place award recipients in each CM franchise per country will receive $500 plus the certificate or trophy per quarter award. First place awards per country will be capped at $1500 per semester, plus the certificate or trophy.

The President Club Awards 2017 will recognize outstanding sales performance by the FF and FLMs as well as high TME engagement for MSLs. Winners will be announced at the cycle gala dinner and will win a trip along with their partners. The winning team will be selected based on PMP rating in addition to sales performance.

     
   
Novartis sets up new hires for success with Q1 onboarding program
     
   

To welcome new members on the Novartis team, we launched a full-fledged onboarding program in Q1 introducing them to the Novartis culture and optimizing their skills and knowledge to set them up for thriving careers.

     
    Patients
     
   
Novartis Gulf supports MS patient societies at 2nd GCC forum
     
   

Novartis Gulf was proud to support the top brass of MS patient societies in the region at the MS awareness week in Bahrain in March this year.  The event hosted the 2nd GCC forum for heads of MS patient societies in the Gulf region. Organizations from UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and KSA came together to boost understanding of patient needs, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed as part of our 2017/18 plans. 

Education as well as training for nurses and healthcare practitioners came in as a top priority for patients, with an emphasis on the need for better digital and media awareness.

The meeting, which was broadly covered by the media, was a resounding success. Participating patients shared the event on social media, including mentions by pop star Masha’el and make-up artist Aram which further intensified the buzz.

     
   
   

Haitham El Fadally, NS Franchise Medical Lead and Joy Khoury, Head Communications & Patient Relations Gulf, with the Heads of the MS patient societies in the Gulf