Founder of Dr. Ashleys Limited recognized for transforming access to healthcare in underserved regions across 80+ countries
Riga, Latvia – Dr. Ashleys Limited is proud to announce that its Founder and Global CEO, Dr. Kanans Visvanats, has been awarded the 2025 Dr. Albert Schweitzer Medical Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Albert Schweitzer Foundation (IASF). This prestigious global accolade recognizes Dr. Visvanats' lifetime dedication to medical innovation, humanitarian service, and equitable access to life-saving medicines across the developing world.
The award pays tribute to individuals who exemplify the legacy of Nobel Laureate Dr. Albert Schweitzer, renowned for his pioneering work in humanitarian medicine. Dr. Visvanats' recognition comes as a result of decades of impactful work in global healthcare delivery and pharmaceutical innovation.
“Dr. Visvanats represents the finest ideals in modern medicine — science, compassion, and action,” said Prof. Dr. Bang-Ning Liu, Independent Director of IASF. “His work has improved the lives of millions and reflects the spirit of Dr. Schweitzer’s humanitarian mission.”
A Trailblazer in Global Pharmaceutical Access
Dr. Visvanats founded Dr. Ashleys Limited in 2012 with a bold mission: to make high-quality, affordable medications available in regions where they’re needed most. Today, the company operates in more than 80 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America, supplying essential treatments for oncology, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other critical diseases.
Under his leadership, Dr. Ashleys Limited has become a global leader in the development and export of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and orphan drugs—particularly those addressing unmet therapeutic needs. The company’s pioneering approach has drastically reduced the cost of life-saving medicines and enhanced access in low-resource environments.
“We believe that medicine should know no borders,” said Dr. Kanans Visvanats, FRSC. “This award is not just a personal honor—it reflects the tireless work of our teams and partners worldwide who make healthcare delivery a reality for those who need it most.”
Advancing Innovation and Public Health Policy
Beyond corporate leadership, Dr. Visvanats has held several influential positions in international scientific and policy forums. He currently serves as a Principal Researcher with the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) and is a Garwood Innovation Fellow at the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), London.
His roles have positioned him at the intersection of innovation and policy, enabling him to influence global health strategies, foster public-private partnerships, and advocate for equitable access to healthcare technologies.
Future-Focused: Scaling Access and Innovation
Looking ahead, Dr. Visvanats is spearheading Dr. Ashleys Limited’s expansion into next-generation pharmaceutical technologies. Key initiatives include:
- Scaling research and development of orphan drugs and novel APIs
- Improving cold-chain logistics and warehousing for better supply chain resilience
- Leveraging AI and automation to lower production costs and increase efficiency
- Fostering public health alliances with NGOs and governments worldwide
“Through innovation and ethical leadership, Dr. Ashleys Limited is positioned to be a key player in the fight against global health challenges,” said Santosh Banerjee, Business Development Head (SEA) at Asprofin Bank Corporation and assigned Private Banker to Dr. Visvanats.
About Dr. Ashleys Limited
Incorporated in 2012, Dr. Ashleys Limited is a global pharmaceutical company focused on the production, development, and distribution of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and orphan drugs. With a mission to deliver life-saving medicines to underserved markets, the company operates across more than 80 countries and partners with NGOs, healthcare providers, and government agencies to deliver quality, affordable healthcare solutions.
Media Contact:
Dr. Ashleys Limited
Dr. Kanans Visvanats, FRSC
dkv@drashleys.com
Unit No 1504, 15th Floor, Peninsula Square, 18 Sung On Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
For more information on the International Albert Schweitzer Foundation, please visit: https://iasf.org