ArdorComm Media Group

Sunday, May 25, 2025 7:21 pm

India

Apollo 24/7 Secures Rs 2,475 Crore Investment and 12.1% Advent Stake in Mega Merger with Keimed

Apollo HealthCo Limited, a subsidiary of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, has unveiled a major development with plans to raise Rs 2,475 crore ($339 million) in equity capital from Advent International, a prominent private equity investor. This strategic move is part of a merger initiative that will also integrate Keimed Private Limited, India’s leading wholesale pharmaceutical distributor, within the next two years. The merger deal entails Advent International acquiring a 12.1% stake in the merged entity, while Apollo HealthCo and Keimed will hold 59.2% and 25.7% stakes, respectively. The combined entity is valued at an impressive enterprise value of Rs 22,481 crores ($3 billion). Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Chairman of Apollo Hospitals Group, emphasized the mission to provide high-quality healthcare to all Indians at an affordable cost. He highlighted the significant outreach achieved by Apollo 24/7, which has positively impacted over 33 million Indians. Dr. Reddy expressed confidence that with Advent’s investment and the merger with Keimed, the combined entity will emerge as one of the leading retail health companies in India. The integration is poised to deliver substantial industry benefits and capitalize on potential business synergies. With a pan-India presence, the merged entity aims to become a frontrunner in the retail health sector. Shobana Kamineni, Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, underscored the enhanced accessibility to genuine medicines for 1.4 billion Indians within 24 minutes to 24 hours, 7 days a week, facilitated by the merged supply chain. Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, described the merger with Keimed as a pivotal step towards building a comprehensive supply chain. She outlined the revenue projections and emphasized the collaborative strengths that will drive exponential value for Apollo Hospitals and its shareholders. Advent International sees this partnership as an opportunity to invest in India’s rapidly growing healthcare sector and contribute creatively to value creation. The merger positions Keimed at an enterprise value of Rs 8,003 crores, with Keimed shareholders holding a maximum of 25.7% stake in the combined entity, while Apollo Hospitals remains the largest controlling shareholder with at least 59.2% stake. The merger is subject to further corporate approvals.  

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India Emerges as Global Cancer Capital, Witnessing Alarming Surge in Cases, Reports Apollo Hospitals

A recent study by Apollo Hospitals reveals concerning trends in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across India, with cancer cases witnessing an unprecedented rise. The 4th edition of the Health of Nation Report, released on World Health Day 2024, designates India as the “cancer capital of the world.” The report highlights a surge in NCDs such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders, significantly impacting the nation’s health landscape. Disturbingly, one in three Indians is pre-diabetic, two in three are pre-hypertensive, and one in 10 suffers from depression. Key Insights: Cancer cases in India have surpassed global rates, with the country experiencing a surge in diagnoses, particularly among younger demographics. Despite the lower median age for cancer diagnosis, cancer screening rates in India remain alarmingly low. Breast cancer, cervix cancer, and ovarian cancer are prevalent among women, while lung cancer, mouth cancer, and prostate cancer are common among men. Report Findings: Obesity rates have doubled from 9 percent in 2016 to 20 percent in 2023, while hypertension cases have risen from 9 percent to 13 percent during the same period. A significant proportion of Indians are at risk for obstructive sleep apnea, highlighting the need for urgent health interventions. The report underscores the critical need for regular health screenings to monitor conditions like obesity and hypertension, thereby reducing the risk of cardiac-related ailments. Dr. Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, advocates for collective efforts to combat NCDs through education and personalised preventive healthcare solutions. Dr. Madhu Sasidhar, President & CEO of Apollo Hospitals, emphasizes the importance of innovation in preventive healthcare and improved accessibility, leveraging technology for accurate diagnosis and patient-centric treatment methodologies. The findings of the report underscore the urgent need for unified action to address the growing epidemic of NCDs in India. Prioritising investments in health infrastructure, promoting preventive healthcare measures, and addressing health inequities are crucial steps towards sustainable development in the health sector.  

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Vodafone Idea Launches Vi Movies and TV App for Comprehensive Entertainment

Vodafone Idea has unveiled a new all-in-one entertainment app, catering to the telco’s subscribers with a plethora of over-the-top (OTT) content and live TV. The app boasts access to more than 13 OTT platforms and over 400 live TV channels, complemented by complimentary access to various content libraries. Priced at Rs 202 for prepaid users and Rs 199 for postpaid users, the subscription to the app aims to streamline the viewing experience by offering one subscription for multiple platforms. Dubbed as Vi Movies and TV, the app provides access to leading OTT platforms like Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLiv, Manorama Max, NammaFlix, Klikk, Chaupal, and Playflix, among others. Additionally, users can enjoy access to TV channels such as Discovery, Aaj Tak, Republic Bharat, ABP, and India Today, along with complimentary content libraries from Shemaroo and Hungama. Accessible across smartphones, smart TVs, and the web, the app enables users to simultaneously stream two content feeds on all OTT platforms. Avneesh Khosla, Chief Marketing Officer at Vi, highlighted the significance of the app in today’s content landscape, stating, “India is watching content like never before – multiple formats, multiple subscriptions, and multiplying hours on the screen every day. However, this unlimited choice also brings fatigue and complexity. We take immense pride in announcing Vi Movies & TV – one app, one subscription with the best of OTTs and TV content. We are committed to providing an entertaining experience to our consumers by empowering them to access entertainment in a simple, affordable, and accessible way. We will soon add new partners and more curated options for ease of choice for our viewer.” With its comprehensive offering and user-friendly interface, Vi Movies and TV app aims to redefine the entertainment experience for its subscribers, providing them with a seamless and engaging platform to enjoy their favorite content.

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UK’s NHS Recruits 2,000 Doctors from India to Address Medical Workforce Shortage

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has embarked on an initiative to recruit 2,000 doctors from India. Under this fast-track program, doctors will undergo postgraduate training in India before being deployed to hospitals in the UK. The initiative aims to tackle the NHS’s longstanding struggle with medical workforce shortages, exacerbated by factors such as low wages, expensive training, and burnout due to heavy workloads. Brexit has further complicated the issue, leading to increased reliance on overseas-trained doctors. Notably, the recruited doctors will be exempted from the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) examination, typically mandatory for practicing in the UK, upon completion of their training program. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on India’s healthcare system, with fears of brain drain and the loss of skilled professionals. While some experts view this initiative as a valuable opportunity for Indian doctors to gain international experience, others emphasize the importance of offering ample opportunities and fair compensation to locally trained doctors in India. Additionally, the lack of widespread awareness about the initiative among the medical community in India highlights the need for better promotion and communication efforts. Ultimately, the initiative represents a significant stride towards global healthcare collaboration, with the potential to enhance healthcare standards and foster a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and expertise between India and the UK. Key Points: The NHS plans to recruit 2,000 doctors from India to address medical workforce shortages. Recruited doctors will undergo six- to twelve-month postgraduate training in India before deployment to UK hospitals. Exemption from the PLAB examination will be granted upon completion of the training program. Concerns have been raised about potential brain drain and the impact on India’s healthcare system. Improved awareness and promotion efforts are needed to ensure the success of the initiative. The initiative signifies a step towards global healthcare collaboration and knowledge exchange. Currently, 25-30% of the NHS’ medical workforce consists of doctors trained overseas.

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Path to Good Governance and Security: The Role of Inclusive Welfare Programs

Blog on Governance

In India’s journey towards 2047, the symbiotic relationship between good governance, security, and inclusive welfare programs emerges as a critical pathway to address multifaceted challenges and foster societal well-being. A recent survey conducted by Primus Partners underscores the pivotal role of inclusive welfare initiatives in realizing the objectives of good governance and security, offering insights into India’s evolving landscape and aspirations. Challenges and Needs: The survey highlights that a significant portion of the population, approximately 58 percent, continues to grapple with fundamental needs such as education, shelter, healthcare, and employment. Despite past efforts, existing welfare programs face uncertainty in effectively addressing these challenges, necessitating a paradigm shift towards holistic solutions that bridge past achievements with future aspirations. Importance of Good Governance: Kautilya’s ancient wisdom resonates with contemporary notions of good governance, emphasizing the centrality of people’s happiness to the ruler’s well-being. Good governance, characterized by transparency, accountability, and participatory decision-making, serves as the bedrock for progress and security. It fosters social cohesion, economic growth, and stability, laying the groundwork for inclusive development. Inclusivity and Social Welfare: The concept of inclusivity emerges as a cornerstone of India’s progress, with 21 percent of survey respondents underscoring its significance. Inclusive policies, women empowerment, gender equality, and wealth disparity reduction are identified as critical factors contributing to social well-being. Drawing inspiration from nations like Sweden and Norway, India seeks to emulate the transformative impact of robust welfare programs on societal cohesion and security. Success Stories and Learnings: Initiatives like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) exemplify India’s strides towards inclusive governance and poverty alleviation. By leveraging technology and innovative financing mechanisms, India aims to streamline welfare delivery, mitigate corruption, and enhance transparency. The cooperative federalism model and participative decision-making are pivotal for effective implementation and citizen-centric governance. Future Directions: As India navigates its path towards Viksit Bharat, strengthening last-mile delivery mechanisms, data privacy safeguards, and capacity-building initiatives remain imperative. The establishment of robust frameworks to combat corruption, coupled with transparent public institutions, will shape India’s inclusive growth trajectory. By fostering a culture of innovation, education, and civic engagement, India endeavors to realize the aspirations of all its citizens on the road to 2047. Inclusive welfare programs serve as catalysts for good governance and security, offering a holistic framework to address socio-economic disparities and enhance societal resilience. Through strategic investments, policy reforms, and collaborative efforts, India charts a course towards a prosperous and equitable future, anchored in the principles of inclusivity, transparency, and citizen-centric governance. With a steadfast commitment to Kautilya’s vision of the ruler’s happiness intertwined with the people’s welfare, India embarks on a transformative journey towards 2047, where inclusive welfare programs serve as the cornerstone of a vibrant and secure society. As the nation embraces the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, the convergence of good governance, security, and inclusive welfare promises to unlock the full potential of India’s diverse and dynamic populace, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow for generations to come.  

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Healthcare Innovation Set to Double, Reaching $60 Billion Opportunity in India by FY28

A recent report by Bain & Company and HealthQuad reveals a promising outlook for healthcare innovation in India, projecting its value to double to $60 billion by FY28. This growth surge is part of India’s broader healthcare market, expected to reach $320 billion by the same time, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12%. Healthcare innovation currently constitutes 15% ($30 billion) of India’s healthcare market, with approximately 55% of it export-oriented. Aarthi Rao from Bain & Company anticipates substantial expansion, emphasizing not only value engineering but also business innovation, particularly in biotech, vaccines, and med-tech sectors. The report identifies four key segments driving healthcare innovation: pharma services, health-tech, vaccines, and biotech, and med-tech. Health-tech, which includes consumer-facing solutions like telemedicine and enterprise-facing solutions like B2B e-commerce, witnessed a significant boost, doubling from $3 billion in FY20 to $7 billion in FY23. India’s success in the vaccines and biotech market has been remarkable, with revenues reaching $4 billion in FY23, driven by exports. The country has become a vaccine powerhouse, supplying around 60% of global vaccine demand. Additionally, biotech startups are leveraging new technologies to develop innovative products. Pharma services remain a dominant force, constituting around 50% of the healthcare innovation market. India’s pharma services market, valued at $16 billion in FY23, has seen significant growth driven by exports and the country’s emergence as a leading CDMO player globally. Charles-Antoine Jannsen from HealthQuad notes India’s evolution in the biologics space, emphasizing its newfound strengths in research, manufacturing, and export. The accelerated adoption of telemedicine and e-pharmacies during the pandemic has further propelled health-tech growth. Overall, India’s healthcare innovation landscape presents a compelling growth story, driven by technological advancements, favorable government initiatives, and an expanding global footprint.  

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Malaysia’s Lincoln University College Makes Historic Move to Establish Campus in India

Malaysia’s Lincoln University College has emerged as the trailblazer among foreign universities seeking to establish a presence in India, becoming the first institution to apply through the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) dedicated application portal. The move marks a significant milestone in the internationalization of Indian higher education. The UGC has formed a five-member standing committee tasked with evaluating Lincoln University College’s application, indicating that a decision is imminent. This development comes in the wake of the UGC’s recent notification of regulations governing the establishment and operation of campuses by Foreign Higher Education Institutions (FHEIs) in India. According to Union Education Minister of State Subhas Sarkar, Lincoln University College has expressed interest in establishing a campus in Telangana, showcasing the growing appeal of Indian academia on the global stage. Sarkar’s statement in the Lok Sabha underscores the proactive steps taken by the Indian government to attract foreign investment and expertise in the education sector. While other foreign universities have shown interest by accessing the UGC portal to explore application requirements, Lincoln University College stands as the sole applicant thus far. Renowned for its academic prowess, the university holds respectable positions in prestigious global rankings, reflecting its commitment to excellence. The UGC’s regulations aim to facilitate the seamless operation of FHEIs in India, granting them autonomy in degree-granting, admission processes, and fee structures. The move is poised to enhance educational opportunities for Indian students and foster collaboration between domestic and international institutions. Responding to queries regarding the affordability of FHEIs for Indian students, Sarkar emphasized the potential for scholarships and tuition fee concessions, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. Additionally, stringent measures have been put in place to prevent misuse of philanthropic resources and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

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Sony Confirms Termination of $10 Billion Merger Deal with Zee Entertainment, Legal Battle Looms

Sony Corporation officially announced on Monday the termination of its proposed $10 billion mega-merger deal with Zee Entertainment, marking the collapse of the ambitious alliance that aimed to create India’s largest entertainment company. The agreement was intended to provide substantial financial prowess, positioning the unified entity to compete with global streaming giants like Netflix Inc. and Amazon.com Inc., as well as local conglomerates such as Reliance Industries Ltd, currently exploring potential partnerships with Disney. The termination notice served by Sony brings an abrupt end to the negotiations, which had been anticipated as Sony Group Corp signaled its hesitancy to extend the discussions beyond the originally agreed-upon deadline. The termination follows a report on January 21 by ET (Economic Times) indicating that Sony was unlikely to prolong the good faith negotiations with Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEEL). Zee Entertainment, in response to Sony’s move, expressed its intention to take legal action against the Japanese conglomerate, setting the stage for a potential legal battle between the two entities. The fallout from the failed merger deal adds a layer of complexity to the media landscape, with Zee Entertainment now reassessing its strategic options. In a prior development, Zee had requested Sony to extend the merger deadline from December 21, 2023, citing the need for more time. The merger deal, initially inked on December 22, 2021, faced hurdles and uncertainties, ultimately leading to its termination. The termination of the Sony-Zee merger deal raises questions about the future trajectory of both companies in the highly competitive Indian entertainment market. Industry observers are closely watching the aftermath of this high-profile breakdown and its potential implications for the broader media and entertainment landscape in India.

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India Witnesses Third COVID-19 Wave, Officials Confirm JN.1 Variant Impact

As India grapples with the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, official sources have confirmed the emergence of the JN.1 variant. However, reassuringly, the available data suggests that this variant is not causing an exponential rise in new cases, nor is it associated with a surge in hospitalizations and mortality rates. India has experienced three distinct waves of COVID-19, with the most significant impact observed during the Delta wave in April-June 2021. At its peak, the country reported a staggering 4,14,188 (4.14 lakh) new cases and 3,915 deaths on May 7, 2021. The latest data indicates that the JN.1 variant is not leading to a scenario similar to the Delta wave peak. This information comes as a relief amid concerns about the potential impact of new variants on the country’s healthcare system. Since the onset of the pandemic in early 2020, India has witnessed more than 4.50 crore people contracting the virus, with over 5.30 lakh fatalities recorded over the course of about four years. This underscores the persisting challenges and the need for ongoing efforts to combat the spread of the virus and mitigate its impact on public health. As the situation continues to evolve, health authorities are closely monitoring the spread and characteristics of the JN.1 variant. The confirmation that the variant is not currently associated with a severe increase in cases provides valuable insights for public health strategies.

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Government Slashes Windfall Tax on Petroleum Crude: New Rates Effective January 16

In a recent development, the Indian government has revised the windfall tax on petroleum crude, bringing it down to 1,700 rupees ($20.53) per tonne from the previous rate of 2,300 rupees per tonne. The decision, outlined in a government notification on Monday, is set to take effect from January 16. This move comes on the heels of a significant hike in the windfall tax on petroleum crude on January 2, when the government increased it from 1,300 rupees to 2,300 rupees per tonne. The latest reduction is seen as an adjustment to strike a balance and address concerns in the energy sector. The windfall tax was initially introduced in July 2022 on crude oil producers in India. The tax was extended to cover exports of gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel, as private refiners sought to capitalize on robust refining margins through overseas sales rather than selling domestically. Notably, the government revises the tax fortnightly to adapt to changing market dynamics. This adjustment aims to create a more favorable environment for the energy sector while ensuring a fair balance between government revenue and the interests of crude oil producers. As the revised rates come into effect from January 16, stakeholders in the energy industry will be closely monitoring the impact on refining margins and the overall dynamics of the petroleum crude market in India.

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