Jul 23, 2020|
Government’s Policy Support Unleashes JD Health’s Potential
by Vivian Yang
“The constant introduction of government’s new policies on promoting internet healthcare provides strong support and direction guidance for us to accelerate the development of internet medical services, “a spokesperson from JD Health commented today on recent guidelines concerning the internet healthcare industry issued by China’s central government.
On July 21st, the Chinese government issued a guideline to further relax limitations on internet medical services. The guideline mentions that on the premise of ensuring medical safety and quality, qualified internet medical services will be included in the national medical insurance scheme. In the meantime, China will publish national examination and approval standards for internet medical services, and accelerate the evaluation and approval process of clinical applications of innovative medical devices.
One week earlier on July 15th, China’s National Development and Reform Commission issued a separate guideline to promote the development of new business models, including internet hospitals.
Internet medical services is a “blue ocean” in China that is gaining more attention as with the pandemic situation and governmental policy supports. Being a leader in this emerging market, JD Health has even broader prospects for development. The platform, which is a subsidiary of JD.com, has reached unicorn status after closing a $1 billion funding round in 2019.
“Under the impact of the pandemic, more and more people have recognized the role and value of internet medical services,” said Lijun Xin, CEO of JD Heath. During the lockdown, people turn to online medical consultations in lieu of going to offline hospitals and exposing themselves to cross-infection risks. Since the launch of online medical consultation on January 26th, the average number of consultations on JD Health has surpassed 150,000 per day during the lockdown. From its launch in February till the end of March, JD Health’s free online drug sourcing platform for patients with chronic diseases in Hubei province received over 20,000 inquires, among which, over 96% of drug supply needs were solved.
With the pandemic situation gradually getting under control, people’s awareness of healthcare has grown even stronger with increasing reliance on online medical services. Sales of pharmaceutical products on JD Health have continued to increase since February. On June 18th during JD’s Grand Promotion, the transaction volume of medicine for chronic diseases grew by 270% year-on-year.
So far JD Health has deployed the most complete “internet + healthcare” model in the industry, with its businesses covering pharmaceutical e-commerce, online medical consultation, smart internet solutions for hospitals and healthcare services including specialized medical services such as chronic disease management and other medical services such as health check-ups, aesthetic medicine, dental and more.
In recent years, internet medical services have been deployed in many aspects of healthcare, such as online consultation for common ailments, online revisits for chronic diseases, contract service for family doctors, drug distribution from online to offline, and online payment of medical insurance. Combined with advanced technologies including 5G, AI, and IoT, and increased collaboration with local governments and hospitals, there is much to expect for the future of China’s internet medical services.
(vivian.yang@jd.com)
Dec 12, 2024|
JD Health Debuts Merck’s New Diabetes Medication GLUCOPHAGE® XR (Reduce Mass) Online in China
On December 10, JD Health, in collaboration with Merck, a globally renowned biopharmaceutical leader, began offering GLUCOPHAGE® XR (Reduce Mass), the metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, and became the first online pharmacy in China to provide the new antidiabetic medication developed by Merck. This launch signifies a major milestone in the partnership between JD Health and Merck, which is dedicated to enhancing the online availability and accessibility of innovative treatments for type 2 diabetes patients in China, thereby offering them a more convenient and effective medication experience.
GLUCOPHAGE® has been a cornerstone in the treatment of type 2 diabetes for over 60 years worldwide. The latest version of this medication is designed to enhance patient adherence by reducing the long-term burden of medication administration while maintaining its therapeutic benefits. The use of GSD sustained-release technology extends the time the medication remains in the stomach, reduces gastrointestinal irritation, and improves drug absorption. Additionally, the tablet is now smaller, has reduced volume by 30%, and has been transitioned from a capsule to a round shape, making it easier to swallow. It requires only once-daily administration, significantly enhancing patient convenience and safety.
To celebrate the online launch collaboration, JD Health and Merck hosted a special release event for the new medication at the 7th China International Import Expo in November. This event followed their partnership agreement in September, which also marked the opening of Merck China’s self-operated flagship store on JD.com.
With a large user base, robust supply chain, and rich medical service resources, JD Health has become a preferred partner to launch many chronic disease medications online. By seamlessly integrating online and offline resources, JD Health ensures that new drug information reaches the right users swiftly, offering convenient purchasing options and improving drug accessibility and usage efficiency. Additionally, JD Health’s extensive logistics network ensures timely and secure delivery of medications, enhancing user experience and building trust.
(vivian.yang@jd.com)
Nov 7, 2024|
CIIE 2024: JD.com to Expand Imports of Specialty Brands, Strengthen Healthcare Partnerships, and Enhance Logistics
At the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) on November 5, JD Super, the supermarket division of JD.com, announced a major initiative to broaden its selection of imported specialty. Over the next three years, JD Super plans to introduce over 1,000 new international brands to meet the increasing demand for high-quality, diverse imported goods.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Quality Imports
According to JD Worldwide’s “White Paper on 2024 China Cross-Border Consumption Trends,” more than 80% of Chinese consumers are interested in imported products, with many prioritizing authenticity, quality, and fast delivery. In response, JD has significantly expanded its range of international offerings. During the ongoing Singles’ Day Grand Promotion, sales of cross-border products have surged, with more than 600 brands experiencing a sales increase of over 100% compared to last year.
Strengthening High-Quality Food Partnerships
Demonstrating JD.com’s commitment to sourcing high-quality products, JD Super signed a new procurement agreement at CIIE with Huadong Foods and Teys, a major Australian beef brand under Cargill. Under this agreement, JD Super and Huadong Foods will procure $50 million of Teys beef throughout 2025. This partnership underscores JD’s strategy of collaborating with trusted suppliers to provide high-quality, affordable beef to Chinese consumers.
Delivering Authentic Global Goods Efficiently
JD Logistics has built a robust logistics network that spans bonded, direct mail, and overseas warehouses, facilitating fast deliveries of imported items across categories such as electronics, fashion, beauty, food, and baby products. In many major cities, delivery times have been reduced to under 48 hours.
For instance, JD Super’s partnership with Raub of Malaysia enables the import of Musang King durians, which are harvested at peak ripeness and air-shipped with cold chain logistics for delivery within 24 hours. Additionally, JD.com also secured an early supply of Chilean cherries, available since October, which can be delivered in as little as 30 minutes in many areas through JD NOW, its on-demand retail service.
JD.com’s “JD National Pavilions” program, which features over 150 country-themed flagship stores from more than 70 countries and regions, continues to be a cornerstone of its import strategy. Supported by embassies and reputable organizations, this initiative offers Chinese consumers access to premium products and cultural experiences from around the world. In April, JD launched the JD National Pavilion of Mali, introducing popular items like shea butter and garnering over 40,000 followers.
Expanding Healthcare and Logistics Partnerships
JD Health is also making strides at CIIE by strengthening partnerships with leading global healthcare companies, including Merck, Bayer, and Roche. As “China’s premier online health access point,” JD Health is committed to integrating digital and physical healthcare resources to improve access and convenience for patients.
Key collaborations include initiatives with Haleon to promote brain health and anti-aging for the “silver economy,” with MSD China on a digital diabetes management model, and with Teva Pharmaceuticals to provide patient education for conditions such as tardive dyskinesia (TD) and Huntington’s disease (HD).
On the logistics front, JD Logistics announced plans to double its overseas warehouse space by 2025 and expand its network of bonded and direct mail warehouses. JD Express now serves over 60 countries, enhancing cross-border delivery efficiency and supporting both brands and consumers.
Through these efforts, JD.com reaffirms its commitment to sourcing and delivering authentic, high-quality imported products to Chinese consumers, supported by an advanced supply chain that ensures a superior shopping experience.
(vivian.yang@jd.com)
China’s Largest Gaming Convention Joins Hands with JD PLUS
