Indian e-commerce company Flipkart has appointed Prashant Jhaveri as CEO of its newly established online health business Flipkart Health+.

Jhaveri previously served as the chief business officer of Apollo Health and Lifestyle, the retail healthcare unit of Apollo Hospitals, where he led its growth, partnerships, and collaborations with other consumer-facing businesses. He had also held the CBO post at insurance technology firm Medi Assist and headed the digital health company MediBuddy as CEO. 

In a media release, the newly appointed executive said there is an "immense opportunity" to take healthcare to India's remotest areas by bringing the "right" technology solutions and consumer value propositions.

"With Flipkart Health+, I look forward to working with a talented team as we work towards solving accessibility and affordability of quality healthcare products and services for millions of customers in India," he said.

THE LARGER TREND

The Indian health system remains strained by shortages in healthcare professionals with a doctor and nurses ratio of six and 10 per 10,000 patients, well below the World Health Organization's threshold. 

As COVID-19 restricted people's mobility, health tech developers in the country have stepped up to bring health service access to rural and remote areas via mobile apps. Aiming to address issues on access and affordability of quality healthcare in the country, Flipkart set up its digital health business in November following its acquisition of a majority stake at online pharmacy startup SastaSundar. The e-pharmacy platform works with over 490 pharmacies to deliver healthcare products nationwide. It also uses AI and data analytics in providing counselling services.

Recently, Amrita University launched a smartphone-connected wearable device that can be deployed to help patients in rural areas manage their own health. Drones are also being used across the country to deliver medicines in far-flung areas.

The Indian government has also introduced initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission, which aims to digitally connect the various stakeholders in the health system. 

ON THE RECORD

Commenting on Jhaveri's appointment, Flipkart Health+ SVP Ajay Veer Yadav said: "As Flipkart Health+ begins its journey, we are pleased to welcome Prashant onboard. His vast experience in the healthcare sector will be a great asset in the journey to build Flipkart Health+ as India’s premier tech-enabled healthcare platform for a billion-plus Indians, across the country".