“Sustainability is our service commitment to the Swiss healthcare system”
How is sustainability achieved in a company that works day in and day out for an integrated healthcare system for Switzerland? In this interview, the Chair of the Board of Directors of Galenica, Dr Markus R. Neuhaus, and CEO Marc Werner talk about responsibility, vision and specific measures. They explain why sustainability is not merely a strategic obligation for Galenica, but rather a factor that sets it apart – and how innovation, collaboration and clear goals shape the path to continued success and health in future.
GRI 2-22
Galenica speaks of the “integrated healthcare system of the future”. Is sustainability an obligation or a vision in this context?
Dr Markus R. Neuhaus, CBD: Both. Today, sustainability is both a strategic prerequisite and an important distinguishing feature. Our economic success is based on societal, social and environmental responsibility. Sustainability in all its dimensions is a key component of Galenica’s core business. The most important topics include patient safety and a reliable supply of medicines in Switzerland. The Board of Directors bears ultimate responsibility for all sustainability matters – including the climate – and ensures that these are integrated into the strategic axis.
Marc Werner, CEO: Operationally, this means that we have a group-wide Sustainability Committee headed by Jürg Pauli, Chief Sustainability, Public Affairs & Transformation. The people with responsibility in this area in the Galenica network collaborate across departments and are responsible for implementing the measures. Objectives are set and coordinated centrally. In this way, we consistently pursue our ambitions based on clear KPIs. I am convinced that sustainability can only be achieved by working together. It must be supported by everyone and regularly placed on the agenda of the Executive Committee.
What does ESG mean from a patient’s perspective – aside from just reports and ratings?
CEO: Patient safety – and thus the social aspect of ESG – is our core Sustainable Development Goal. We rely on the highest quality standards and digital innovations to ensure the safety of our patients at all times. These include consistent compliance with GDP (Good Distribution Practice) guidelines in pharmaceutical logistics, regular audits and digital solutions such as Documedis®, which help to avoid medication errors. In 2025, healthcare professionals triggered 553 million CDS.CE Checks; by 2030, we aim to reach 1 billion. Another focus is on continuously increasing customer satisfaction. The high level of employee satisfaction measured in 2025 will help us in this regard.
CBD: Security of supply is our second priority. More than 700 medical products are currently unavailable in Switzerland – ranging from simple painkillers to antibiotics and medicines for complex therapies. The causes are manifold and mostly global. In order to guarantee the best possible supply of available medications – our target is 99% on average – Galenica is investing in renewing the infrastructure of logistics companies. Through digitalisation and automation, we are improving planning security and availability. In addition, we are working with industry partners and authorities to strengthen resilience in the event of supply bottlenecks. These include collaborations such as the Safety Stock Initiative with Sandoz and compulsory stock reserves for critical therapeutic products that Alloga manages on behalf of the pharmaceutical industry.
What else is needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals?
CBD: Close alignment between investment decisions, management culture and sustainability strategy. Established standards are needed along the entire supply chain so that social, ethical and environmental requirements are taken into account and Galenica can stand up for its values as a company.
CEO: Our focus is on the best employees, strong partners and a forward-looking corporate culture. We invest heavily in collaboration and transformation. This includes positioning the pharmacy as the initial point of contact for healthcare advice – in order to relieve the burden on other service providers, including emergency wards. We are expanding consultation services and cooperating with health insurers, thus making an important contribution to stabilising healthcare costs and ensuring high-quality care.
"We are committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions in the future in line with the Science Based Targets."
Dr Markus R. Neuhaus
CBD
What are the most important environmental goals – and where does Galenica stand today?
CBD: We report in accordance with the GRI Standards and structure our sustainability focus according to the principle of dual materiality. We are committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions in the future in line with the Science Based Targets and thus making an active contribution to limiting global warming to 1.5°C. This ensures that our reduction path meets the requirements of the Paris Climate Agreement.
CEO: We take the environment and climate into account in our day-to-day business. When performing renovations, we focus on energy efficiency, short transport routes through local partners and renewable energy sources such as solar panels on the roofs of our logistics centres. Our vehicle fleet is gradually being converted to renewable drive systems. When renovating our headquarters as well as in the pharmacies, we reuse construction materials and furniture and focus on sustainable materials.
"In our pharmacies, operational management can also be taken over by a pharmacy specialist."
Marc Werner
CEO
Being an attractive employer is also one of Galenica’s strategic objectives and contributes to sustainability. What does that mean specifically?
CBD: As Chair of the Board of Directors, it is important to me that the compensation policy is clear, transparent and strategically aligned. It must promote performance and sustainable value creation, be in line with the market and at the same time provide incentives for long-term corporate goals. Forward-looking succession planning is just as crucial: we think in the long term and insist that key positions be secured by internal managers with strong track records. For me, broad leadership skills and a resilient talent base, innovation and a performance culture that makes Galenica successful in the long term are important for continuity.
CEO: We embrace servant leadership and forge attractive development paths. In our pharmacies, operational management can also be taken over by a pharmacy specialist. At the same time, we create modern working environments, such as those at our headquarters in Bern, that foster motivation and collaboration. Diversity is key to us – whether in terms of language, culture, age or gender. Women account for more than 55% of our leadership positions, for example. The health of our employees is our priority – our initiatives are designed to prevent workplace injuries, reduce sickness absences, and create a safe and supportive working environment.
What is the difference between Galenica’s management of ESG topics and “compliance only”?
CBD: Integration. Responsibility for sustainability is not limited to one isolated department but is borne by the entire company. From the Board of Directors to the Governance, Nomination and Sustainability Committee and the Sustainability Committee: goals, risks and opportunities are discussed several times a year – and are thus actively managed.
CEO: Ongoing training programmes on topics such as artificial intelligence, compliance and data protection are a prerequisite for minimising risks and seizing opportunities safely. We rely on this educational approach and consistently uphold responsible behaviour. This boosts innovation, efficiency and trust among customers and partners – and secures our competitiveness in the long term.
What are your next steps for Galenica in terms of sustainability?
CDP: We ensure that both business risks and environmental and social impacts are taken into account by precisely implementing targets, taking regular steps to double down on dual materiality and transparently disclosing ESG value contributions. At the same time, we aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and align our reduction pathways in line with the Science Based Targets (SBTi).
CEO: We are driving forward our transformation in order to inspire customers. To achieve this, we are expanding our healthcare services and extending digital offerings that strengthen the healthcare system and increase convenience for service providers and customers. And we take care of our employees.
And on a personal level, what drives you?
CBD: Responsibility towards society, customers, investors and employees – and the conviction that acting sustainably brings value to the company.
CEO: That we strengthen trust with every step: the best advice, the most suitable product, at the right time, on the most sustainable path – for the well-being and health of people in Switzerland.