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Bell System 24 and Alfresa Collaborate for D-REACH

In a significant move for the pharmaceutical industry, two major Japanese companies, Bell System 24 and Alfresa, have announced their collaboration to develop a new contracted information support service for pharmaceutical companies known as "D-REACH." This agreement marks a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare communication in an ever-changing medical landscape.

Background of the Collaboration

The necessity for such a service has become evident in recent years due to stricter regulations regarding healthcare professional visits and ongoing reforms in physicians' working conditions. As a result, the opportunities for Medical Representatives (MRs) to meet directly with doctors have diminished. In this context, it has become increasingly critical for physicians to efficiently gather information about pharmaceuticals and the latest treatment methodologies. At the same time, pharmaceutical companies are facing rising personnel costs and are under pressure to optimize costs and enhance the quality of their information provision activities.

To address these challenges, a digital shift in MR activities has accelerated. This shift includes leveraging web conferencing tools for remote meetings, which is seen as a viable alternative to in-person visits. However, understanding the needs of physicians remains a pressing concern, and it is crucial to provide them with timely information without adding to their existing burdens. This gap in understanding and communication is what the collaboration between Bell System 24 and Alfresa aims to bridge.

Alfresa has long been a stalwart in ensuring the stable supply of pharmaceuticals, employing hands-on Marketing Specialists (MS) to conduct real-world sales activities and provide information to healthcare facilities. In addition, they aim to streamline the information-gathering process for physicians while optimizing the information provision activities of pharmaceutical companies through their well-established network of medical institutions and accumulated expertise, alongside their proprietary online communication tool, Mydodes.

On the other hand, Bell System 24 is well-known for its Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) services centered around contact centers. They have utilized their nearly 40 years of expertise in marketing support for pharmaceutical companies to consolidate various MR activities, including detailing and information provision to doctors who may not have secured meeting opportunities. By doing so, they assist in enhancing the operational efficiency of MRs, even in areas that are harder to reach.

The Services Offered by D-REACH

The D-REACH service will leverage Alfresa's specific knowledge and capabilities to develop tailored information provision plans for each medical institution. Alfresa will actively support the planning and execution phases, ensuring that the service is effective and aligned with the specific needs of physicians. Meanwhile, Bell System 24 will contribute its wealth of experience and a team of skilled professionals with MR qualifications to ensure the success of remote information provision activities.

This collaboration is not merely about efficiency and cost reduction; it also focuses on creating a repository of communication history with physicians, improving engagement rates, and facilitating the regular provision of critical information. Through this nexus of expertise, both companies aim to contribute decisively to achieving their partners' goals and resolving challenges within their operations.

About the Companies

Bell System 24

Bell System 24, a subsidiary of Bell System 24 Holdings, has been a pioneer in the call center service sector since it established Japan's first full-fledged service in 1982. The company has built a robust communication infrastructure that connects various businesses with consumers, thereby establishing itself as an industry standard for BPO services. Their motto focuses on creating innovative solutions to support a sustainable society, leading through enhanced customer experiences and optimized business processes.

For more information, visit Bell System 24.

Alfresa

Established in 2004, Alfresa has been dedicated to distributing pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostic reagents, and nutritional foods from approximately 1,000 manufacturers to hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies across Japan. Leveraging its network of roughly 170 locations, Alfresa supports the development of region-specific healthcare systems and enhances operational efficiency within the medical field through various communication and information service offerings.

For further details, visit Alfresa.

Both companies look forward to launching D-REACH fully by April 2027, heralding a new era of improved interaction and information exchange between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals.