MAM
72% users access healthcare information on Internet
MUMBAI: Digital marketing agency, Webchutney has unveiled a new report -‘catching the e-healthcare bug‘.
The report analyses the growing influence of digital media such as the web and mobile in the Indian healthcare segment. It maps the Indian healthcare seeker‘s usage, attitude and perception towards internet.
Based on a survey of over 2000 respondents from an online consumer panel, the report highlights that 72 per cent respondents use the Internet to access healthcare related information. New-age communication channels like the Internet have become a significant source of healthcare information, gradually gaining importance equivalent to conventionally trusted sources like doctors and healthcare professionals/experts.
Webchutney lead analyst Shweta Bhandari said “The study identifies an interesting trend in the rise of ‘preventive‘ along with ‘curative‘ measures of healthcare among Indians with 7 out of 10 respondents expressing trust in Internet as much as doctors for health related information, ahead of other conventionally trusted sources such as friends and family (48 per cent). From searching for information about specific ailments or a medical condition, to tips for general well-being/remedies, the report indicates that online healthcare consumers are actively breaking away from traditional norms and curating healthcare content on the web”.
The report indicates that 9 out of 10 respondents (90 per cent) found healthcare information online useful to them. It also indicates that 74 per cent respondents using search engines for the ‘health information hunt‘ fall in age group of 25-45 years.
Webchutney CEO and co-founder Sidharth Rao said “Health related recommendations from trusted sources online are the new social currency that marketers must leverage to create deeper engagement and meaningful relationships with consumers, while promoting positive word-of-mouth for their brands or services. With the web audience in India set to increase over a 100 million by the end of this year, it is time for healthcare marketers to keep pace with the revolution in changing consumer behavior and evolve their marketing communication and branding strategies to stay relevant in the future.”
The research report also shows that 8 out of 10 healthcare information seekers online research health content not just for themselves but for others too. 66 per cent search for health related information on social networking and info exchange sites like Facebook, Twitter, Youtube etc. 6 out of 10 admit to being influenced by healthcare commentary found online. They find tremendous value in reading comments, views and opinions posted by others on health across relevant social forums, communities, blogs, and groups. 5 in 10 have recommended healthcare products/services in their online networks thus becoming the new social currency by increasing visibility and generating positive word-of-mouth for such brands. 7 in 10 are interested in using location based services on their mobile phones to locate healthcare products, services in their vicinity. This includes hospitals, dispensaries, medical stores, healthcare centers, health insurance, providers, health care equipment providers etc.
MAM
PwC India announces leadership change in Deals practice
Shashank Jain steps down as co-leader after nearly three decades with the firm.
MUMBAI: When one dealmaker steps off the pitch, another is ready to take the baton because in the fast-moving world of transactions, the game never really stops. PwC India has announced a leadership transition in its Deals practice, with Shashank Jain stepping down from his role as co-leader to pursue an opportunity in the industry. The practice will continue to be led by Mohit Chopra, ensuring continuity and sustained growth momentum.
PwC India partner and leader for advisory dinesh Arora paid tribute to Jain’s contributions. “We deeply appreciate the significant contributions made by Shashank over close to three decades he has spent with PwC, particularly his defining role in shaping and strengthening our Transaction Services practice in India,” he said. Arora highlighted Jain’s support for clients through some of the most complex and significant transactions in the Indian market, noting his deep technical expertise, sound judgment and nuanced understanding of the evolving M&A landscape.
The Deals practice remains a key growth driver for PwC India, and the firm expects continued expansion under Mohit Chopra’s leadership. He will continue to guide clients through complex transactions and transformational business moments, building on the strong foundation established over the years.
Reflecting on his journey, Shashank Jain said, “I have had an exceptional journey at PwC. I owe my growth and learning to the nurturing environment and leadership development that PwC provided.” He added that he had been working closely with Mohit and the larger team to ensure a smooth transition and expressed confidence that Chopra would take the Deals practice to newer heights.
From intern to respected deals leader, Shashank Jain has clearly closed many successful transactions and now, it seems, he’s ready to strike a new deal of his own.
