Kerry ploughs cash into India healthcare project on back of long-standing business ties
The partnership between Kerry Group and the Noon Memorial Legacy Trust aims to further access to quality and accessible healthcare in the state.
Kerry Foods, which claims to be the leading UK producer of authentic, convenient Indian cuisine, has close ties to the region through the late Lord Gulam Noon — Indian-born, British businessman and founder of Noon Products, a Kerry Group business.
“Kerry had a special relationship with Lord Noon and the Noon family and we are delighted to provide support for such an inspiring project,” said Duncan Everett, CEO of Kerry Foods.
Prior to his death in 2015, Lord Noon had founded the Noon Foundation, through which the Noon Hospital and Research Centre was established. The hospital provides essential medical services for communities who would otherwise lack access to quality healthcare.
The comprehensive facility provides world-class services with state-of-the art operating theatres, intensive care unit, neonatal ICU and eye department, with highly-skilled staff.
New Kerry Wing
In partnership with the Noon Memorial Legacy Trust, Kerry has established a fourth wing at the hospital to enable the expansion of the services it provides.
The ground floor of the new ‘Kerry Wing’ will house the hospital’s ophthalmic department, which treats a variety of health issues, including glaucoma, blindness, trachoma and cataracts, and is accredited by the Rajasthan state government through the District Blindness Control Society for prevention of blindness.
Zeenat Noon Harnal, managing trustee of the Noon Memorial Legacy Trust (UK) and Zeen-Zar Charitable Foundation Trust (India), said: “Kerry’s investment will mean a very significant expansion in services, allowing the hospital’s vital work to continue and helping to ensure that vulnerable patients need not be turned away.”
Noon Hospital and Research Centre is a referral hospital for people residing within a 100km-radius, where there is a lack of quality healthcare facilities. It has a 100-bed capacity.
Recently, John Savage, President and CEO of Kerry APMEA, shared with FoodNavigator-Asia that consumer tastes in Asia Pacific are rapidly changing due to the growing middle-class in the region and increased travel, which are opening South East Asian markets to a raft of new international flavours and opportunities for business growth.
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