Long a destination for health discussions, Facebook is now reportedly considering setting up its own therapy area-based patient support communities.

The social network is also investigating the possibility of creating its own range of 'preventative care' applications, according to a report by Reuters.

Sources told the news agency that Facebook has held a number of meetings with medical industry experts and entrepreneurs over the last couple of months and is setting up a research and development unit to test new health apps.

But the plans, which could see it challenge established online patient communities like PatientsLikeMe and HealthUnlocked and mark a major new entrant to the crowded health app space, are "still in the idea-gathering stage", Reuters said.

Meanwhile, Facebook has picked a wide range of consumer executives - some with healthcare interests - to sit on its new EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) Client Council.

Alongside Reckitt Benckiser's executive VP for Europe and North America Rob Degroot and Sophie Blum - CEO at Procter & Gamble Israel, will be representatives of companies such as Nestlé, Unilever, Red Bull, BMW, Samsung  and Disney.

Facebook said the Council would help it better serve its advertisers in the region and act as a forum for the sharing of ideas about the future of marketing.

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