French drugmaker Sanofi has announced a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) for its employees at two manufacturing sites in Telangana, India. The sites, located in Medchal and Muppireddypally, employ a total of 800 people and are responsible for producing a range of vaccines and insulin for global export.
According to a company spokesperson, the glut of supplies added during the Covid-19 pandemic and increased competition for contracts, particularly from Unicef for its 5-in-1 paediatric vaccine Shan5, have forced Sanofi to assess its operations in India. The spokesperson explained that the changing healthcare environment, including the emergence of new pharmaceutical manufacturers, has forced the company to adapt its strategy and portfolio to maintain viability.
The VRS will be offered to all employees of the Medchal and Muppireddypally sites on a voluntary basis only. The spokesperson emphasised that the decision to launch the scheme was made after a thorough assessment of the company’s operations and is aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of its business.
The announcement of the VRS is the latest challenge faced by Sanofi in India, as it strives to navigate the rapidly evolving healthcare environment and maintain its position as a leading producer of vaccines and pharmaceuticals.
