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- 81%of respondents say technology has improved their access to health services
- 71%believe that in the future they will be more reliant on technology to improvetheir personal health and wellbeing
- Prudential'snew Asia-wide study recommends increased public-private co-operation to maximisethe benefits of digital health technologies
HONG KONG SAR- Media OutReach - 11January 2021 - Prudential Corporation Asia (Prudential) today released ThePulse of Asia -- The Health of Asia Barometer, a report written by The EconomistIntelligence Unit (EIU), which underscores the unprecedented opportunityoffered by digital health technologies to improve access to healthcare in Asia.
The research,which explores attitudes to healthcare in Asia, highlights the demand for toolsand services to help people in the region better navigate the healthcaresystem. It also highlights the opportunity for governments topartner with the private sector to maximise the potential of digitalhealthcare.
High rates of digitalhealth technology adoption
The report, whichsurveyed 5,000 adults across 13 markets in Asia, foundthat only around half of respondents (54%) believe that medical care isaccessible and affordable. More concerningly, less than a quarter (22%) saythey can easily access exercise and fitness facilities that would help improvetheir personal health and wellness in the coming year.
However, the Asia-wideresearch also underlines the potential of technology to directly combat thesechallenges. Over four fifths (81%) of respondents say technology has already improvedtheir access to health services and nearly two thirds (60%) believe it hasimproved the affordability.
And this consumerappetite towards the digitisation of health shows no sign of abating - threeyears from now 71% of those surveyed said they will rely on technology evenmore heavily to improve their personal health and wellbeing.
Public-private action to improve healthcare
To fulfil the potential of digital healthcare, thereport recommends greater public-private collaboration, suggesting that governments partner with private companiesto deliver digitally-innovative ways to promote and manage health and wellnessamong citizens.
The report also highlights theopportunity for governments to improve public health information throughdigital channels. According to the research, social media is the mostfrequently cited source of personal health and wellness information. However,the survey respondents overwhelmingly agreed that the most trustworthy sources arenational government and public health authorities. Governments can seize theopportunity by becoming the most reliable source of quality health informationfor citizens.
The report also recommends thatgovernments look to promote connected health devices, but that these need to beunderpinned by strict data governance. Data security will enable health data tobe safely centralised, empowering governments to design better policies andbuild more targeted healthcare infrastructure.
Nic Nicandrou, Chief Executive of Prudential Corporation Asia, commented,"This ground-breaking research demonstrates that while Asia has already begunto embrace digital health technologies, the region is still some way from realisingthe full potential technology has to offer. The private and public sectors needto come together to make these opportunities a reality, and in doing so, improvehealth and wellness outcomes for individuals.
"Making digital healthcare areality is an integral part of our efforts at Prudential. Through our app, Pulse by Prudential, we have linked up with partnersat the forefront of innovation to deliver health information and guidance, aswell as provide access to medical professionals. Our goal in doing this is to enable people to live well, for longer."
Charles Ross, Editorial Director fromthe EIU, commented, "Our research shows that tomake health and wellbeing more accessible and affordable, the public andprivate sectors need to come together to seize the initiative. A key way to dothis is by breaking down 'data silos' between disparate healthcare services andcreating secure connections between health apps, devices and centraliseddigital patient records."
About Pulse of Asia – Health of Asia Barometer
Prudential commissioned the new Pulse of Asia - Health of Asia Barometerreport to highlight the challenges people in the region face in improving theirhealth and wellbeing. It is based on a survey of 5,000 people from 13 countriesand territories in Asia -- Cambodia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia,Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand andVietnam. Respondents range from 21 to 55 years old and cross income groups.
The full report can be accessed at pulseofasia.economist.com
About Prudential Corporation Asia
https://www.prudentialcorporation-asia.com/
Prudential Corporation Asia (Prudential) is a businessunit of Prudential plc*, comprising its life insurance operations in Asia and Africa, as well as its asset management business, Eastspring Investments.Headquartered in Hong Kong, Prudential helps people get the most out of lifethrough savings, protection and investment solutions that meet their diverseand evolving needs.
Prudential is a leading life insurer with operationsspanning 13 markets in Asia, covering Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India,Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan,Thailand and Vietnam. In Africa, Prudential has a presence in eight markets,covering Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Togo, Uganda andZambia. With a robust multi-channel distribution platform, Prudential deliverscomprehensive and innovative solutions to more than 16 million customers acrossthe two continents.
Eastspring Investments manages investments in Asia onbehalf of a wide range of retail and institutional investors. It is a leadingAsia-based asset manager with on-the-ground presence in 11 major Asian marketsas well as distribution offices in North America and Europe. It has US$220billion in assets under management (as at 30 June 2020), managing funds acrossa range of asset classes including equities and fixed income.
In line with the company's mission to make healthcareaffordable and accessible for all, 'Pulse by Prudential' (Pulse) wasfirst introduced in Malaysia in August 2019. Today, Pulse is available in 12markets across Asia and Africa. The app uses AI-powered self-help tools andreal-time information to serve as a 24/7 health and wellness partner to users,helping them prevent, postpone, and protect against the onset of diseases. Asat January 2021, the app has been downloaded more than 16 million times inAsia. For more information on Pulse: www.wedopulse.com.
* Prudential plc is listed on the stock exchanges ofLondon (PRU.L), Hong Kong (2378.HK), Singapore (K6S.SG) and New York (PUK.N).It is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc. a companywhose principal place of business is in the United States nor with ThePrudential Assurance Company, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a companyincorporated in the United Kingdom.
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