Praful Akali

Praful Akali is a leading expert in healthcare communications, blending strategic insight with award-winning creativity. With a management degree from IIM Lucknow and a background in pharmaceutical sciences, he brings a unique mix of industry expertise, marketing acumen, and journalistic experience from his time at The Indian Express.

As the Founder and Managing Director of Medulla Communications, Praful has built one of the world’s most acclaimed healthcare specialist agencies. Medulla’s integrated, PR-led, digital-first approach has helped healthcare brands craft impactful narratives across diverse media. Under his leadership, Medulla became the only agency globally to feature in the top three at Lions Health for its first three years and was named Healthcare Agency of the Year at Cannes Lions 2016.

A pioneer in healthcare creativity, Praful has amassed over 50 award shortlists and 20+ major wins, including a Grand Prix at Clio, along with accolades at Lions Health, LIA, Spikes, Global Awards, and Effies. His campaigns, including "Last Words" and "Last Laugh", have set industry benchmarks by winning at both creative and effectiveness award shows, a rare feat documented in the Gunn Report.

Beyond his work at Medulla, Praful has been a jury member at Cannes Lions, Clio, LIA, Effies, and the Global Awards and a speaker at Cannes Lions Health and other global forums. His thought leadership has been featured in leading advertising and business publications, and in 2018, he spoke on "life-changing creativity" at the Lions Health Inspiration Stage.

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