The Healthcare Rebranding Strategy: A Catalyst for Positive Change
Dr. Ossama Shaheen, AHF executive council member
In the fast-evolving realm of healthcare, organizations are increasingly recognizing the significance of rebranding as a strategic tool to stay relevant, redefine their identity, and enhance their impact on society and partners. This article delves into the key reasons why healthcare organizations opt for rebranding after long periods of maintaining old brands and explores the profound positive effects on society and partners, with examples from organizations worldwide.
Aligning with Digital Transformation
In the era of digital healthcare, organizations are compelled to align their branding strategies with the overarching trend of digital transformation. Rebranding offers healthcare institutions the opportunity to realign their image, messaging, and services with the digital age, facilitating better engagement with tech-savvy patients and partners. For instance, the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK underwent a major rebranding exercise to reflect its commitment to embracing digital technologies and providing seamless, patient-centric services through online platforms and mobile applications.
Enhancing Connectivity and Accessibility
Rebranding serves as a powerful mechanism for healthcare organizations to enhance connectivity and accessibility for their stakeholders. By refreshing their brand identity and communication strategies, organizations can effectively reach out to diverse communities, simplify complex healthcare messages, and foster a sense of inclusivity. An exemplary case is the rebranding efforts of Kaiser Permanente in the United States, which focused on creating a more user-friendly and accessible brand image, resulting in improved patient engagement and satisfaction.
Building Trust and Credibility
A well-executed rebranding initiative can significantly contribute to building trust and credibility among patients, partners, and the wider society. Healthcare organizations often leverage rebranding as an opportunity to communicate their core values, commitment to quality care, and ethical standards. Singapore’s SingHealth embarked on a comprehensive rebranding journey to reinforce its reputation as a trusted healthcare provider, instilling confidence and loyalty among patients and partners.
Empowering Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
Modern healthcare rebranding initiatives are designed to empower collaboration and knowledge sharing among various stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem. By fostering a culture of openness, communication, and mutual learning, rebranded organizations create a conducive environment for innovation and continuous improvement. Mayo Clinic in the United States exemplifies this approach by rebranding itself as a global leader in collaborative healthcare delivery, leveraging its brand to attract top talent and foster multidisciplinary partnerships.
Inspiring a Culture of Innovation
Rebranding acts as a catalyst for inspiring a culture of innovation within healthcare organizations, encouraging them to think creatively, adapt to change, and embrace cutting-edge technologies. Organizations such as Siemens Healthineers in Germany embarked on a rebranding journey to reflect their innovative spirit and commitment to driving healthcare advancements through state-of-the-art solutions and services, inspiring a new generation of healthcare professionals and partners.
Supporting the Vision for Future Healthcare
Ultimately, healthcare rebranding plays a pivotal role in supporting the vision for future healthcare by positioning organizations as pioneers of change, sustainability, and excellence. By redefining their brand identity, values, and strategic objectives, healthcare institutions can shape a brighter future for healthcare delivery, patient outcomes, and stakeholder collaborations. For example, Apollo Hospitals in India strategically rebranded itself as a leading healthcare provider committed to driving affordable, accessible, and quality care for all, aligning its brand with the vision for a healthier society.
Ossama Shaheen; A Visionary Marketing and Business Expert
Ossama Shaheen is a distinguished and accomplished figure in the realms of marketing and corporate
communications, boasting an impressive career spanning over 32 years. With his extensive expertise across diverse sectors including healthcare, banking, industrial, consultation, and commercial domains, Ossama has emerged as a key figure in the global business landscape.
Having garnered more than 14 years of international experience, Osama has established himself as a
prominent leader in the healthcare and pharma sector in Egypt. He is currently working as Head of government affairs and corporate communication in one of the biggest multinational pharmaceutical companies, Ossama was able to make a great footprint in the pharma industry, he is leading the taxation community in AmCham core pharma committee, in addition to his pivotal role as a co-lead of IP working group in EFPR (Egyptian Pharma Committee).
Prior to joining the pharma industry, he served as the Head of Marketing and Corporate Relations at the
Universal Health Insurance Authority (UHIA), he has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the organization and contributing to the overall healthcare reform efforts in the country.
Under Ossama’s visionary leadership, UHIA witnessed a remarkable transformation. He spearheaded the
development of the organization’s mission and strategy, while overseeing all marketing and public relations
activities. Ossama’s strategic acumen and business insights were instrumental in initiating the Public-Private
Partnership (PPP) model, fostering strategic partnerships, and forging protocols with various governmental and private stakeholders.
Prior to his tenure at UHIA, Ossama made significant contributions to the financial and banking sector. He
served as the Vice President and Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication for one of the largest banks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This role showcased his proficiency in navigating the intricacies of the financial industry and leveraging his marketing expertise to enhance the bank’s brand positioning and corporate image.
Furthermore, Ossama has demonstrated his prowess in the field of management consultation. As a
seasoned professional, he has been entrusted with the responsibility of establishing effective marketing strategies for numerous entities in Egypt. His profound understanding of market dynamics, coupled with his strategic thinking, has enabled organizations to thrive and achieve their business objectives.
