MUMBAI, India, Jan. 17, 2012 -- Global health service company Cigna (NYSE: CI) today announced that the Cigna Foundation will donate US$25,000 (approximately Rs. 13 lakhs) to Water for People for clean water projects in West Bengal, India, bringing the total donated since 2008 to US$190,000 (nearly Rs. 99 lakhs). Water for People, a non-profit global organization, supports the development of locally sustainable drinking water resources, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education programs.
"Cigna is proud to offer this contribution to Water for People to help with their important work in building a sustainable infrastructure for communities in India," said Cigna Chief Executive Officer David Cordani. "The health benefits of clean water in India are significant given that 38 million Indians are affected by waterborne diseases annually. As Cigna develops a permanent presence in India, we are committed to investing in local philanthropic initiatives that help people live healthier lives."
The move comes as Cigna and TTK Group, the Indian conglomerate, today announced that their joint venture to sell health insurance in India will be named Cigna TTK and will be headquartered in Mumbai. Cordani and TT Jagannathan, Chairman of TTK Group, said that Sandeep Patel, Managing Director Cigna Health Solutions India, Pvt. Ltd., will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the joint venture.
In addition to the donation, Cigna will also develop a comprehensive social responsibility program that leverages TTK's existing partnerships with charities and non-governmental organizations that serve underprivileged children through schools, as well as health and wellness initiatives and other programs targeting rural and underprivileged populations.
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