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‘Value, Expertise & Trust- VET’ model unveiled for healthcare industry in latest study by SPAG
MUMBAI: A healthcare specialised independent communications and advocacy firm, SPAG (www.spag.asia) revealed its inaugural and ambitious report, ‘Pave the Wave: APAC Healthcare Communications Outlook’, amidst an august gathering of senior professionals in the healthcare industry. The event, co-hosted by KPMG on 2nd October 2019, was well attended with leading experts and media from the industry.
Based on conversations with leading communication experts across Asia-Pacific, the special report unveils a new communications framework for healthcare industry called the ‘VET Model’. Through this unique report, SPAG highlights the dire need to build narrative that considers Value, Expertise & Trust as three key drivers and a cohesive proposition for each stakeholder. The report also talks about the changing dynamics of different stakeholders in the ecosystem as well as how communications is gradually moving from the periphery and taking a centre stage in the business strategy.
“We are extremely delighted to share this special report that analyses the ongoing changes in the ever-evolving healthcare communications, especially in the Asia Pacific region, focusing on its maturity and integration with the business strategy and how Value, Expertise and Trust are gradually defining the framework of communications in the healthcare sector. We believe that the next decade will be even more exciting for the healthcare industry and healthcare communicators alike compared to all that we have witnessed so far,” says Aman Gupta the Co-Founder & Managing Partner of SPAG.
The report showcases the radical changes in the healthcare industry and consumer behaviour. It acknowledges that how healthcare has gone beyond ‘pill’ which has led to paving path for newer ways of treating people. Communication around treatments has also seen a dynamic shift, leaving a huge task at the hands of healthcare communicators in the Asia Pacific region.
Data show that healthcare sector is currently growing at12% (more) than the rest of the world. From the developed markets of Singapore to emerging medical hubs of Indonesia and Vietnam and others, and rapidly prospering economies complimented by increasingly sensitive public policy environments and its aging population, Asia is witnessing a transformation in the scope of healthcare in the region.
“Within the transforming dynamics of healthcare communications, the role of communicators is no longer restricted within the confines of an advisory. They are now strategic partners, who not only create narratives to drive the business agendas but also protect, build and enhance business reputations. From a counsellor to a business partner, it has been a long journey for healthcare communicator. Today, healthcare comms experts are becoming drivers of sustainable business”, says Ritika Jauhari, Senior Director, SPAG.
The APAC Healthcare Communications Outlook report aims to present the paradigm shift in perception of the healthcare communications, thereby helping bridge the gap between medicine and public health in a manner that facilitates large-scale healthcare interventions. The one-of-its-kind report also discloses the increasing influential role of healthcare communicators to help develop more engaging and clear communication steeped in domain expertise to help deliver greater value for patients.
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Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
