China’s healthcare environment is fast evolving, propelled by the country’s rapid development. According to the World Health Organization’s 2005 World Health Report, per capita total expenditure on healthcare in China nearly doubled between 1998 and 2002, and shows no signs of slowing down. Changing lifestyles, rising healthcare costs and an aging population have driven rising attention to healthcare in China, but have also attracted tighter regulatory scrutiny and more active consumer participation. This creates both opportunities and challenges for healthcare companies operating in the China market.

Burson-Marsteller's Healthcare Team is uniquely positioned to help clients navigate this complex medical, political, social and economic landscape, and to create and manage perceptions that deliver positive business results.

In recent years, Burson-Marsteller China has worked with major pharmaceutical, medical equipment, food and nutritional clients in the following areas:

• China market entry
• Corporate positioning
• Public health education
• Key opinion leaders program
• Issues management
• Crisis management
• Stakeholder communications
• Media relations
• Brand marketing
• Training for
   - crisis and issues management
   - spokespeople