Pascal Beyens – general manager
For several weeks now we have all found ourselves living in different times. Coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread at a tremendous pace and its global impact is unprecedented.
Therefore, I would like to share with all of you what Kela is currently doing for the benefit of our customers and colleagues.
First of all, the well-being of our employees is of the utmost importance to us. In order to limit the infection risk, a maximum of our employees continue their work from home. For the employees that continue working on-site, we have implemented strict hygiene and other measures in order to guarantee a healthy work environment and in close collaboration we continue monitoring the working conditions and keep improving wherever possible.
Secondly, our supply chain, production activities and laboratories are still operating according to plan. At present we have no indications that this situation will change. Moreover, the Belgian authorities have recently issued a formal decision, recognizing the pharmaceutical sector, amongst others, as a crucial industry, providing essential products and services to society. Therefore, we trust that our manufacturing site will remain open throughout this COVID-19 crisis.
Thirdly, although our sales force is currently no longer conducting visits. I want to stress that they remain fully available to answer all our customers’ questions and will provide full support as usual.
And lastly but by no means least, I would like to take this occasion to pay tribute to all our employees currently working on-site in these worrying times. Thanks to them Kela can continue supplying its products to its valued customers, providing health, economic and social benefits to the global society. With deep respect I thank you all for your commitment and flexibility in these times.
Best regards,
Pascal Beyens