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Indian pharma companies need strong digital dose: Study
Mumbai: A majority of Indian pharma companies, both multinational and domestic, are yet to exploit the huge opportunities offered on various digital platforms to connect with their stakeholders effectively, a new study said on Wednesday.
Titled ‘Indian Pharma Digital Health Report 2015’, the study by D Yellow Elephant analysed 40 pharmaceutical companies in the country across 10 key digital parameters ranging across websites, applications and 10 major social media platforms.
The study revealed that only nine out of 40 — less than 25 percent — managed above 50 out of 100 on these counts.
While LinkedIn is the most popular social media platform, only 14 companies, barely 35 percent, were active on it.
Google+ notched a high presence of 87 percent but only one out of 40 companies was found active on it.
As far as India-specific Facebook is concerned, only eight out of 40, or 20 percent fell in this category, 12 had a Blogger presence, and other platforms like Slideshare, Instagram and Vine are used by less than 20 percent.
D Yellow Elephant managing director Aman Gupta said that in view of this data, Indian pharma sector — whether Indian companies or global players, lag behind their international counterparts by at least 5-7 years.
If compared to other sectors, the time lag could be around 10 years or so, he said.
“Ironically, some of these same companies abroad are seen to be proactively using digital platforms to engage with health care professionals (HCPs) and patients,” Gupta said.
The firm’s digital strategy lead Chandni Dalal said that the findings show the reluctance of the pharma companies to effectively engage with their stakeholders on the digi-platforms.
The duo explained that the report is an attempt “to help the pharmaceutical sector entities in India catch up on the time gap, identify the loopholes and help them incorporate digital medium in the decision making process.”
It also help underline opportunities that exist and outline a roadmap for these pharma companies to engage better with the HCPs and the patient communities, given the advent of smartphones across geographical locations.
“It is high time that this potential is realized. What better way than effectively use these platforms to bridge the gap to healthcare access in a country like ours,” Dalal said.
On the positive side, Indian pharma companies are venturing onto the digital highway but only 30 percent have an India-specific website.
“In the age of quantified self, Indian patients and HCPs are exhibiting an expectations market, with the advent of digital health, big data and dialogue exchange; Indian pharma has long stayed behind the curve on social media,” said Gupta.
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.