Month: July 2023

1.      Apollo performs the highest number of solid organ transplants in the world per year

2.      1641 transplants performed in 2022

3.      Apollo Transplant program is the first program in India to cross the landmark of 18500 kidney transplants, 4300 liver transplants and 500 pediatric liver transplants

Apollo, the world’s largest vertically integrated healthcare provider, announced the completion of 23,000 transplants since the inception of the Apollo Transplant Program.

The Apollo Transplant Program stands as one of the world's most advanced and comprehensive transplant program, renowned for its cutting-edge services. Since 2012, the program has been performing over 1200 transplants annually. Despite the challenges posed by the peak of the COVID pandemic in 2020, 814 transplants were carried out. However, in 2022, the program reached new heights with an exceptional figure of 1641 transplants, showcasing outstanding outcomes and solidifying a reputation built on trust and an unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality of care. Notably, this program holds the distinction of being the first in India to surpass the significant milestones of 18,500 kidney transplants, 4300 liver transplants, and 500 pediatric liver transplants.

Apollo Hospitals had performed the first successful liver transplants in India in an adult and child in 1998 and the first combined liver kidney transplants in 1999.

Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, New Delhi, said, “It gives us immense please to see that our efforts to continue providing the best healthcare for people has been reciprocated by immense trust that patients across the globe have put in us. We see this milestone as a testament of the advancement of clinical excellence practices we have been able to build in India with two very important aspects at the core- care and technology. As we strive to keep our population healthy, we will continue to remain committed to bringing the world class care to everyone us.”

India has emerged as a sought-after hub for global patients seeking medical treatment, and Apollo has established itself as a prominent name in the domain of solid organ transplantation, state-of-the-art technology, and delivering top-notch healthcare that matches international standards. With an impressive track record of conducting 23,000 transplants, 30% of which were for international patients, Apollo stands out as a leading contributor in the field. Notably, Apollo performs approximately 12% of all transplants in India, and its expertise extends to 1% of global transplant procedures.

Apollo has performed transplants in patients from over 50 countries including the US, Canada, Philippines, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Pakistan, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Sudan, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, CIS, Myanmar, and others.

Dr Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice-Chairperson, of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise said “India has attracted a lot of international patients seeking medical care because of its reputation as a leader in the field of healthcare. We have established a solid framework for both professional excellence and state of the art technology and are able to meet the complicated demands of patients while maintaining a sharp emphasis on results and care. At Apollo, we have leveraged the ecosystem better. Our vision is to bring international standard healthcare within reach of every individual, and we are committed to providing quality care across our hospitals.

The Apollo Transplant Program is well-founded with the best infrastructure that is delivered with the highest possible quality by an eminent pool of globally renowned transplant surgeons, nephrologists, gastroenterologists, pediatric gastroenterologists, pediatric surgeons, anesthetists, intensive care physicians, and lab experts. The program has established a reputation for dependability and trust over the last decade, offering the highest level of care and producing results that are unparalleled globally.

Dr. Anupam Sibal, Group Medical Director and Senior Pediatric Gastroenterologist, at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said, “We are delighted to have accomplished this landmark, and are privileged to offer hope to patients with end stage organ failure from across the globe. We now routinely perform complicated kidney transplants, combined liver – kidney transplants, combined kidney – pancreas transplants, multi -organ transplants, heart transplants, lung transplants, heart – lung transplants and liver transplants in children and adults.  We have an impressive track record in ABO incompatible liver and kidney transplants, liver transplants in babies as small as 4 kgs. Sanjay, the recipient of the first successful pediatric liver transplant in India at Apollo Hospitals Delhi in 1998, Sanjay is now practicing as a doctor.”

The Apollo Transplant Institutes are spread over more than 24 locations, 8 of which perform liver transplants and 6 perform multi-organ transplants, thus offering a mix of services that are equipped to take care of the entire spectrum of liver, kidney, lung and heart failure, over 250 doctors serve as consultants for the organization's solid organ transplant program.

As the number of organ transplants in India continues to rise, the Apollo Transplant Program emerges as a pivotal force, driving innovation and serving as a beacon of inspiration for delivering advanced and high-quality healthcare to patients worldwide. With its unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical possibilities, Apollo's transplant program sets a remarkable standard for excellence, constantly pushing the frontiers of medical advancements and redefining the landscape of organ transplantation. By consistently pioneering new techniques, fostering breakthrough research, and providing exceptional patient care, Apollo's program stands at the forefront of progress, attracting patients from around the globe in search of transformative medical solutions.

·   Releases new 360-degree marketing campaign –  “Make every KM count”

·   Focus is on the Spirit of Exploration and how the brand has been a bold companion in the extraordinary journey for generations

·   Campaign’s ethos measures distance in experiences rather than kilometres

Škoda Auto India announced its new brand philosophy – “Let’s Explore”, with a high impact marketing campaign, “Make every KM count”. This development is part of the company’s larger brand strategy that began in 2022 with the unveiling of the Vision 7S design study and announcement of the new logo. The transformation was to encapsulate the transition into a rapidly changing world and customer aspirations ably captured in the new logo and lettering.

Speaking on the new campaign, Petr Šolc, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said: “The automotive sphere in India and the world is going through a massive transformation. Our brand has always had human touch and customer orientation as an integral part of our DNA. This enables us to understand the ever-evolving needs and meet aspirations of our customers. ‘Make every KM count’ reflects this spirit of our cars and our customers who equate numbers in the odometers not as kilometres, but as clocking of journeys and experiences.”  

Indian customers are passionate about their cars, which form an integral part of their lives. The new marketing campaign encapsulates the ethos of Indian traditions and also the growing aspirations of ‘new India’ – who have great ambitions and love to explore. ‘Make every KM count’ reflects this spirit of Škoda cars and the Škoda family.

The brand’s new philosophy “Let’s Explore” has been released globally in more than 50 markets. India is a pivotal market for Škoda and this campaign is tailor-made to fit the modern Indian customer mind-set and their evolving ambitions. The customer-centric narrative reflects Škoda customers’ love to explore places, encounter new cultures, and curiosity for adventures. The all-new, 360-degree multimedia campaign with innovations spread across the channels focuses on a contemporary audience that pursues their passion to explore their world.

At the centre of the campaign is the sentiment which emphasises that kilometres are not a measure of the distance travelled, but is a measure of memories, experiences and opportunities. “Let’s Explore” is built on the spirit that the more we explore, the smarter we become.  

Godrej Capital, the financial services arm of the Godrej Group, announced the launch of unsecured business loans tailored specifically for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Recognizing the pertinent challenges faced by these businesses, Godrej Capital aims to provide accessible financing options that address their unique needs of cash flow management by offering innovative and flexible repayment options.

The loan also provides several other benefits, including a fully digitized process, quick sanction and disbursal, longer tenure of up to 60 months, and an industry-first reward program on timely repayments.

MSMEs are vital to India's economic growth, contributing to job creation, innovation, and overall prosperity. However, these businesses often need help accessing timely and flexible financing solutions. Challenges such as lack of collateral and seasonal business cycles can hinder their growth and expansion plans. Godrej Capital is addressing this by providing flexible lending solutions that allow MSMEs to repay their loans in sync with their business cycles. 

Godrej Capital will be offering business loans across Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi-NCR, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Indore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Alwar, Aurangabad, Baroda, Coimbatore, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanchipuram, Mangalore, Salem, Ludhiana, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, Rajkot, Udaipur, Vapi, Vijayawada, Rangareddy, Vishakhapatnam and Thane. 

“We understand the challenges MSMEs face and their critical role in driving economic growth and are happy to expand our product offerings through unsecured business loans. We have expanded our geographic presence and now offer business loans in 31 key markets. We are committed to becoming a lender of choice for MSMEs by developing innovative, flexible products that complement the cashflows of a business owner,” said Manish Shah, Chief Executive Officer of Godrej Capital. 

Godrej Capital recently launched a new digital platform, Nirmaan, to provide MSME owners with an all-inclusive opportunity to grow their businesses. The company has initially partnered with Amazon Global Selling, Onsurity, Zolvit, and MSMEx to help increase the potential market reach, simplify legal and compliance, enhance employee health and welfare, and provide business coaching for small businesses. 

Since starting business operations in November 2020, Godrej Capital has built a balance sheet of INR 6500 crores across housing, SME, and MSME loans.

equipping them with the indispensable skills required to thrive in the fast-paced world of today. With this partnership, we eagerly anticipate the vast array of opportunities it will unlock, empowering our students to excel in the global job market. Together with Sunstone, we are poised to turn our shared vision into a resounding reality, revolutionizing education for our students.”

Sunstone’s unique approach ensures that students receive a comprehensive education that not only prepares them for the professional world but also nurtures their personal growth and unleashes their true potential. Sunstone believes in shaping well-rounded individuals who are ready to conquer the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and purpose.

·         To enhance their prototypes, top 10 teams will now get INR 100,000 each alongside mentoring support from Samsung employees and industry experts from IIT Delhi

·         Top 10 teams will get latest Galaxy Z Flip smartphone; 3 national winners will win a total of INR 1.5 crore in prize money

Samsung India today announced the Top 10 teams of its national education and innovation competition, ‘Solve for Tomorrow’, celebrating the spirit of innovation, enterprise and social responsibility amongst India’s Gen Z.

These 10 teams came up with ideas to solve real-world problems ranging from converting seawater into potable water, identifying pests and diseases in crops, food wastage, cleaning beaches, developing a more sustainable leather tanning process to providing more accessibility to individuals with hearing loss. Their ideas also seek to bridge the communication gap with sign language users, find missing children, help individuals stay cool in the summers and help the visually impaired to read.

The Top 10 teams come from cities such as Maharajganj in Uttar Pradesh, Lakhimpur and Golaghat in Assam, Darjeeling in West Bengal, Surat and Ahmedabad in Gujarat, Ernakulam in Kerala, Chennai and Delhi.

Know more about the Top 10 teams and their ideas here – www.samsung.com/in/solvefortomorrow

For the second year of the competition, Samsung India has partnered with Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology’s (MeitY’s) Startup Hub and Foundation for Innovation & Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi.

The Top 10 teams of Solve for Tomorrow 2023 were shortlisted after a bootcamp at IIT Delhi. These teams visited Samsung India offices, its R&D centres, design centre and Samsung Opera House in Bengaluru where they interacted with Samsung employees and researchers.

At the bootcamp, Samsung and its partners FITT and MeitY Startup Hub mentored them, helping them enhance their ideas. Each team also got INR 20,000 to create initial prototypes and then pitched their ideas to a jury of young Samsung employees. Each team member got a Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 laptop and Galaxy Buds2 Pro alongside a certificate for attending the bootcamp.

“We are proud of our ‘Solvers’. Through their ideas, they have shown their passion to solve the problems India faces today. Their diverse backgrounds make Solve for Tomorrow 2023 even more inclusive and we are glad Samsung is able to play its part in empowering and supporting the next generation to achieve their full potential and pioneer positive social changes. We look forward to how the Top 10 teams strengthen their solutions with the help of mentors from Samsung and its partners,” said Mr. Hyun Kim, Corporate Vice President, Samsung Southwest Asia.

“IIT Delhi is delighted to partner with Samsung to encourage young entrepreneurs to solve problems in society. The top ten finalists have been identified after a stringent selection process. We will help these teams work on their prototypes and see that their ideas make an impact in the real world,” said Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi.

“It is great to see our country's young minds coming up with such innovative ideas. The Top 10 teams really inspire us. With the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow program, we want to help these youth scale new heights and turn their ideas into action, transforming the country,” said Mr. Jeet Vijay, CEO, MeitY Startup Hub.

With an aim to foster a culture of innovative thinking and problem solving among the nation’s youth, the competition invited ideas from 16-22-year-olds to solve problems around four themes – Education & Learning, Health & Wellness, Environment & Sustainability and Diversity & Inclusion.

Solve for Tomorrow 2023 has seen youth from across 500 cities, towns and villages of India respond and submit ideas to help tackle problems that India faces, symbolic of the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of Bharat.

Here are the top 10 teams and the problems they are solving:

Demeter: Developing a solution for identifying pests and diseases in crops

Hackvengers: Developing a sign language interpretation device that can bridge the communication gap between sign language users and non-signers promoting inclusivity

Jalraaj: Working on a portable solution to convert seawater into water that can be used for drinking

Milaan: Developed an app that will help families find their children who may have gone missing

Musketeers: Developing a solution to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with hearing loss, enabling them to overcome communication barriers and participate fully in society

NIT Surat: Finding a solution to the problem of cleaning beaches where significant amounts of waste is accumulated

The nutrition powerhouse seeks to expand its offerings available to Indian consumers alongside a host of new flavors including a limited-edition Keventer’s butterscotch flavored protein

Myprotein, the World’s No. 1 online sports nutrition brand, today announced the launch of three new products for its Indian consumers. Targeting the nutrition needs of the subcontinent, the new products sit under the Clear Whey, Pre-workout, and Keventers verticals, and will allow the fitness community in India to achieve their personal goals while enjoying a breadth of new flavors.

Committed to the nutrition needs of the Indian consumer, the three new additions will enable fitness enthusiasts the ability to supplement their energy, nutrient & workout demands. Through the Pre-workout & Clear Whey product range, consumers will have the opportunity to revitalize their energy 30-60 minutes before a workout, and supplement/support the growth and maintenance of their muscle development respectively.

Additionally, ensuring the taste profiles of each consumer are met, the low-sugar Clear Whey, which delivers an impressive 20g of protein per serving, will also be made available in flavors such as, Pineapple, Blood Orange, Mango, Coconut, Cranberry Raspberry, & Peach tea. Similarly, The Keventers butterscotch flavor will also be launched and made available for Indian consumers, making it a protein-rich butterscotch alternative for fitness enthusiasts.

The exciting flavors will be reaching Indian shores in the next few weeks, following clearance from the APHA and FSSAI.

Speaking about the development, Sudeshna Saha, Regional Manager , Myprotein India said, “We are particularly thrilled to introduce these new products to our Indian consumers, catering specifically to their nutrition needs and flavor preferences. With the launch of Clear Whey, Pre-workout, and the exciting addition of the Keventers Butterscotch flavor, we aim to empower the fitness community in India to align their goals and achieve optimal results while enjoying a range of delicious flavors.  We are committed to providing high-quality supplements that support energy, nutrient, and muscle demands, helping individuals on their fitness journey. With health certificate clearance from the APHA & FSSAI in place, the products will be available to Indian consumers soon “

Consumers looking to learn more about the new products & flavors can visit the website for more information: https://www.myprotein.co.in/

  I.     Clear Whey: Myprotein's Clear Whey is a refreshing and protein-packed drink that comes in a variety of irresistible flavors. This innovative clear whey formula provides a hydrating and delicious way to supplement your protein intake, supporting muscle growth and recovery.

II.     Pre-workout: The Pre-workout product by Myprotein is designed to give you the energy and focus you need to power through your workouts. This specially formulated supplement provides a boost of energy, enhanced endurance, and heightened mental alertness, helping you maximize your training sessions, irrespective of your motivation.

III.     Keventers: A partnership with Keventers, The exciting Keventers Butterscotch flavor is perfect for fitness enthusiasts looking to indulge in a tasty treat while still meeting their nutritional goals. The protein-rich butterscotch alternative contains 23 grams of protein in a single scoop.

• VNB stood at Rs. 4.38 billion with a margin of 30.0%
• Profit after tax grew by 32.7%
• Retail Protection APE grew by 61.8%
• 13th month Persistency improved to 86.4%

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has registered a 32.7% growth in its Profit after Tax (PAT) to Rs. 2.07 billion for Q1-FY2024, exhibiting strong performance for the quarter. The Value of New Business (VNB), which represents the present value of future profits, stood at Rs. 4.38 billion with a VNB margin of 30.0% for Q1-FY2024

A comprehensive suite of products coupled with a need-based selling approach has resulted in the New Business Sum Assured, an indicator of the life cover opted for by customers, growing by 8.8% to Rs. 2,403.04 billion for Q1-FY2024. During the same period the retail protection Annualised Premium Equivalent (APE) registered a strong year-on[1]year growth of 61.8% to Rs. 1.10 billion.

A well-diversified distribution network is enabling the Company to reach out to a wider cross-section of customers to drive growth. The total APE for the Company stood at Rs. 14.61 billion with minimal concentration risk from any single distributor. Similarly, data analytics & digitalisation is enabling the Company to get better customer insights. This has yielded desired results and persistency has improved across all cohorts. The 13th month persistency ratio for Q1-FY2024 improved to 86.4%.

The Company’s robust risk management framework has enabled it to have a record of zero Non-Performing Assets since inception. Also, the Assets Under Management (AUM) grew by 15.8% year-on-year to Rs. 2,664.20 billion at June 30, 2023. This is a testimony to customers placing their trust in the Company to enable them to achieve their long-term financial goals

Mr. Anup Bagchi, MD & CEO, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance said, “Our very purpose of existence is to provide financial security to our customers and their families. We believe we are trustees of the life savings entrusted to us by our customers to achieve their protection, retirement, health and long-term savings goals.

In Q1-FY2024, the VNB stood at ` 4.38 billion, with a margin of 30%, while PAT grew 33% year-on-year to ` 2.07 billion. With customer-centricity at the core, we will continue to focus on growing the absolute VNB, through the 4P strategy comprising Premium growth, Protection focus, Persistency improvement and Productivity enhancement.

Through Q1-FY2024, we have observed an improving trend in business, with double digit growth in APE for the month of June 2023. Our efforts towards expanding the protection business are visible in the 62% year-on-year growth in the retail protection segment and this has led to the overall protection business contributing nearly a quarter of the total APE. Further, our well-diversified distribution network has ensured we have minimal concentration risk from any single distributor. Our persistency across cohorts has further improved, reflecting our need-based selling approach, with the 13th month persistency at 86.4%

To improve our performance across the 4P strategic elements, we have institutionalised a 4D framework comprising Data analytics, Diversified propositions, Digitalisation and Depth in Partnerships, with a focus on developing a quality business in a risk-calibrated manner. This framework will ensure products are aligned with customer needs, are designed to meet those needs effectively, are developed with the highest quality standards, and are delivered through the most appropriate channels. Also, this framework will help us provide simplified and hassle-free processes to our customers across the product life cycle.”