Dabur plans to unite the ancient with high technology

Patanjali and Alibaba, have helped Indian consumer company Dabur unite the ancient with high technology.

Dabur, whose consumer approach is based on a range of products described as 'natural', will have a call centre for ayurveda to advise buyers on health issues and prescribe drugs.

A Dabur spokesperson said, "We have piloted an initiative in Orissa, creating an avenue for consumers to seek responses and doctors’ advice for any health-related queries. 

The healthcare professionals and doctors also prescribe ayurvedic medicines through this platform, besides addressing consumer queries on health and ayurveda. This platform is part of our efforts at propagating and popularisng ayurveda among the new generation."

Dabur's initiative, called Ask Dabur, is inspired by Alibaba's AliHealth, a popular site for Chinese traditional medicines and online health consultancy, a person familiar with the plans said.

Last year, Dabur introduced LiveVeda, an e-store for Dabur's health care portfolio. A Dabur official with knowledge of the development said it is likely LiveVeda and Ask Dabur could be merged.