Details of a partnership between Kerry Group and the Noon Memorial Legacy Trust, aimed at furthering access to quality and accessible health care in the state of Rajasthan, India, were announced today.
As part of Kerry’s broader commitment to supporting communities, the group has undertaken a 5 year programme of support for the Noon Hospital and Research Centre based in the town of Bhawani Mandi.
Kerry Foods, as the leading UK producer of authentic, convenient Indian cuisine has close ties to the region through the late Lord Gulam Noon, British based businessman and founder of Noon Products, which is a Kerry Group business.
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, and a highly skilled staff.
In partnership with the Noon Memorial Legacy Trust, Kerry has now 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 state Government through the District Blindness Control Society for prevention of blindness.
Speaking at opening of the Kerry Wing in Rajasthan, Duncan Everett, CEO, Kerry Foods, stated that “Kerry had a special relationship with Lord Noon and the Noon family and we are delighted to provide support for such an inspiring project."
"Kerry’s contribution to the hospital will play a crucial role in ensuring that the highest quality healthcare services are available to those who are most in need across the region.”
Director of Corporate Affairs for Kerry Group, Frank Hayes, said: “Kerry has always had a strong ethos of supporting communities and this project represents a further example of the group’s commitment to helping people globally, a core pillar of the Group’s broader sustainability programme.”
Zeenat Noon Harnal, Managing Trustee of the Noon Memorial Legacy Trust (UK) & Zeen-Zar Charitable Foundation Trust (India) expressed her gratitude to the Kerry Group for their support.
She 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.”
