Merck's Indian subsidiary ends ties with Schbang post Poonam Pandey video (updated)

Campaign India, reached out to MSD on the issue at hand.

They said, "MSD would like to categorically state that the recent public relations activity on cervical cancer carried out by Poonam Pandey and digital marketing agency Schbang was neither initiated with MSD’s endorsements nor made with the knowledge of MSD. We are of the view that this activity was grossly irresponsible and distasteful and goes against our company’s values of ethics and integrity. Upon becoming aware of the involvement of Schbang, we had taken immediate actions to terminate our service contract with the agency with all rights reserved. Regarding the aforementioned public relations activities, MSD is of the view that as disease awareness is important for prevention and protection of people against certain HPV-related cancers and diseases, such messages must be always scientifically and medically accurate whilst delivered in an appropriate manner."