Multinationals deepen healthcare push in China

Pharmaceutical company GSK entered into a partnership with Chinese internet company Baidu, under which the pair will promote spreading disease prevention knowledge through digital means, with herpes zoster (shingles) as a pilot project.

The move aims to enhance awareness of diseases among the older population, allowing them to obtain information on diseases through authoritative channels.

"In the future, we are likely to provide more information through innovative online means, such as enabling people to find out where to get the right vaccines," said Cecilia Qi, vice-president and general manager of Pharma and Vaccines at GSK China.

French pharma company Sanofi and the health arm of Chinese internet company JD have jointly announced the official launch of the Diabetes i-Center of Excellence during the CIIE.

Based on the approach of the overall online services for diabetes patients before, during and after consultation, the center explores the path of creating a closed-loop health management system, including medical consultation, treatment plans and prescription, medicine purchasing and timely delivery, as well as individual care.

"Sanofi will allow full play to its advantages in chronic disease management, promote the new normal of the 'Digital + Healthcare' industry and ultimately help open a new era of one-stop health management for Chinese people," said Pius Hornstein, country lead of Sanofi China.