Founded over 73 years ago as a family-run business, Vivian has grown into a recognised leader in Malta’s healthcare sector. Amidst increasing competition and stricter regulatory requirements, the company remains focused on advancing local healthcare. “Our priority is to drive innovation through the latest treatments and technologies, improve medicine accessibility, and strengthen our governance and operational frameworks,” says DENISE BORG MANCHE.
Ms Borg Manche describes her first two years at the helm of Vivian as Managing Director as “probably among the most challenging, but also among the most exciting”.
“Following the move to new premises with a fully licensed warehousing facility for the storage and distribution of pharmaceutical products, we also understood the importance of digitalisation.”
“We started by rebranding our operations in the supply and maintenance of top-quality medical devices and laboratory equipment as Meditech. This was followed by a substantial ongoing investment in the implementation of a new ERP system to digitise core systems. Following the setting up of a sustainability committee, Vivian embarked on their ESG journey, successfully submitting their first ESG report.”
Vivian recently held its annual sales and marketing meeting during which Ms Borg Manche announced another successful year in terms of financial results.
“Financially, the company is in a very stable place, and the results registered in 2024 re-confirmed the company’s recent strategic decisions with positive results across all our operations. However, the real success lies in having kept growth at the core of our strategy both through the expansion of our existing business and by identifying and seizing new opportunities.”
Ms Borg Manche described Vivian’s workforce as “the company’s true strength”.
“This year, we have reinforced a structured framework that empowers teams, fosters collaboration and drives resilience. We are also investing more in training and development to ensure that our workforce continues to shape the company’s future through more innovation.”
Denise admits that operating in the healthcare sector demands a special type of trust, only possible through fostered relationships, collaboration and transparency – values that are deeply engrained in the company’s ethos.
“Vivian’s approach with healthcare professionals, hospitals and patients is a relationship-based approach that prioritises open communication and active engagement with stakeholders and together we try to embrace the shared purpose of putting the patient first.”
This was further reinforced with additional investment in the expansion of Vivian’s Women’s Health Unit through the inclusion of a reputable brand offering specific health and wellness products to women.
“When we launched our representation of Theramex in Malta last year, it reinforced the role of our dedicated Women’s Health Unit through which we are now delivering more specific health and wellness products to women.”
Ms Borg Manche also described oncology as a core sector in Vivian’s operations where the company in partnership with its well-established suppliers, is actively engaged with stakeholders as it monitors emerging trends in oncology and rare diseases.
“We have long been advocating for a variety of treatment options because it is only when patients receive the most effective and specific care that we can ultimately improve outcomes and quality of life,” adding that the company’s strategic investments, regulatory expertise and patient support initiatives have already improved availability across various therapeutic areas.
Ms Borg Manche referred to pharmacists as being among Vivian’s most valued stakeholders and collaborators.
“Their trusted role in the community extends beyond the dispensing of medication and today, they provide guidance and frontline healthcare support, making them key players in patient care. This is why Vivian works closely with pharmacists and ensures their access to the latest treatments, medical insights, and educational resources because this too contributes to enhanced healthcare standards and patient outcomes.”
Access to medication remains a major challenge in Malta and Vivian has made it its mission to address this.
“We know that the right medication exists but this needs to be made available at the right time. This is why we actively collaborate with healthcare authorities, industry partners, and medical professionals to push for introducing innovative treatments and improving supply chains.”
Looking ahead, Vivian envisions a future marked by strategic expansion in pivotal areas such as women’s health, oncology, dermatology, and healthcare technology.
“The company is dedicated to selecting the most effective treatments and fostering education among stakeholders, patients, and patient groups. This comprehensive approach will ensure that we remain at the cutting edge of innovation while cultivating a well-informed and engaged community,” she concluded.
Photo Caption: Vivian’s commitment to gender equality, diversity, and inclusive workplace practices was reconfirmed recently through the company’s re-certification with the Equality Mark by the NCPE.
READ THE 23RD EDITION OF THE CORPORATE TIMES: