It is the right thing to do.

When it comes to facing the challenges inside and outside the company, Dr. Vagelos quoted the words of the company’s founder, George Merck:

“We must always remember the motto that in the medical field, it is people-oriented and not for profit; profit will come later. We must always remember this point. We want to bring the best invention to everyone who needs it, not just for those who can afford it, because life is priceless.”

https://www.nspirement.com/2018/07/31/how-mercks-decision-saved-millions-of-lives-in-china.html