Visakhapatnam: In a significant step toward increasing women’s representation in the pharmaceutical industry, Pfizer Global Supply’s manufacturing unit in Visakhapatnam has partnered with Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM) University. The collaboration aims to create employment opportunities for women at the grassroots level through the Pfizer Autonomous Teams (PAT) program, a 36-month initiative designed to help women earn while they learn.
Graduation Milestone
The first batch of 44 female students has successfully graduated from GITAM University with a BSc Chemistry degree, specializing in Microbiology. These students, who have been Pfizer employees from Day One, now fully transition into their roles within the company. Currently, over 340 female students are part of the PAT program at Pfizer’s Visakhapatnam manufacturing unit.
Leadership Perspectives
B Muralidhar Sharma, Vice President (Site Head) at Pfizer, expressed excitement over the first batch’s graduation, highlighting the program’s 94% retention rate. He emphasized Pfizer’s commitment to providing learning opportunities for local women and enhancing their representation in science and healthcare.
Dr. Errol D’Souza, Vice Chancellor of GITAM University, praised the students for balancing work and education, calling it a testament to their courage. He noted that the co-designed curriculum integrates Pfizer’s latest technological inputs, ensuring students are job-ready upon graduation.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Pfizer remains dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, with gender diversity as a key focus of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. The PAT program is a one-of-a-kind initiative in India, fostering local talent and providing ample growth opportunities for women in the pharmaceutical sector.
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