Find us We Do Dance We DO Pulse Media Prudence Foundation About Us Prudential launches new research that underscores critical role of technology in improving healthcare in Asia 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 improve their personal health and wellbeing Prudential’s new Asia-wide study recommends increased public-private co-operation to maximise the benefits of digital health technologies Hong Kong, 11 January 2021 – Prudential Corporation Asia (Prudential) today released The Pulse of Asia – The Health of Asia Barometer, a report written by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), which underscores the unprecedented opportunity offered by digital health technologies to improve access to healthcare in Asia. The research, which explores attitudes to healthcare in Asia, highlights the demand for tools and services to help people in the region better navigate the healthcare system. It also highlights the opportunity for governments to partner with the private sector to maximise the potential of digital healthcare. High rates of digital health technology adoption The report, which surveyed 5,000 adults across 13 markets in Asia, found that only around half of respondents (54%) believe that medical care is accessible and affordable. More concerningly, less than a quarter (22%) say they can easily access exercise and fitness facilities that would help improve their personal health and wellness in the coming year. However, the Asia-wide research also underlines the potential of technology to directly combat these challenges. Over four fifths (81%) of respondents say technology has already improved their access to health services and two thirds (60%) believe it has improved the affordability. And this consumer appetite towards the digitisation of health shows no sign of abating - three years from now 71% of those surveyed said they will rely on technology even more heavily to improve their personal health and wellbeing. Public-private action to improve healthcare To fulfil the potential of digital healthcare, the report recommends greater public-private collaboration, suggesting that governments partner with private companies to deliver digitally-innovative ways to promote and manage health and wellness among citizens. The report also highlights the opportunity for governments to improve public health information through digital channels. According to the research, social media is the most frequently cited source of personal health and wellness information. However, the survey respondents overwhelmingly agreed that the most trustworthy sources are national government and public health authorities. Governments can seize the opportunity by becoming the most reliable source of quality health information for citizens. The report also recommends that governments look to promote connected health devices, but that these need to be underpinned by strict data governance. Data security will enable health data to be safely centralised, empowering governments to design better policies and build more targeted healthcare infrastructure. Nic Nicandrou, Chief Executive of Prudential Corporation Asia, commented, “This ground-breaking research demonstrates that while Asia has already begun to embrace digital health technologies, the region is still some way from realising the full potential technology has to offer. The private and public sectors need to come together to make these opportunities a reality, and in doing so, improve health and wellness outcomes for individuals. “Making digital healthcare a reality is an integral part of our efforts at Prudential. Through our app, Pulse by Prudential, we have linked up with partners at the forefront of innovation to deliver health information and guidance, as well as provide access to medical professionals. Our goal in doing this is to enable people to live well, for longer.” Charles Ross, Editorial Director from the EIU, commented, “Our research shows that to make health and wellbeing more accessible and affordable, the public and private sectors need to come together to seize the initiative. A key way to do this is by breaking down ‘data silos’ between disparate healthcare services and creating secure connections between health apps, devices and centralised digital patient records.” END About Pulse of Asia – Health of Asia Barometer Prudential commissioned the new Pulse of Asia - Health of Asia Barometer report to highlight the challenges people in the region face in improving their health and wellbeing. It is based on a survey of 5,000 people from 13 countries and territories in Asia – Cambodia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Respondents range from 21 to 55 years old and cross income groups. The full report can be accessed at pulseofasia.economist.com. Explore Media Prudence Foundation About Prudential Corporation Asia Latest Pulse articles New stories Insights Media releases Legal Disclaimer and copyright Privacy policy Prudential Corporation Asia Mailing address: 13/F One International Finance Centre One Harbour View Street Central Hong Kong Telephone: +852 2918 6300 Prudential Corporation Asia is a business unit of Prudential plc of the United Kingdom. Neither Prudential Corporation Asia nor Prudential plc are affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc., a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America or with the Prudential Assurance Company, a subsidiary of M&G plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom. In Taiwan, Prudential Corporation Asia trades under the PCA name for its insurance business. Its asset management business in Asia operates under the name Eastspring Investments. Copyright © 2020 Prudential Corporation Asia This website uses cookies for the purpose of enhancing your user experience. Find more information on what we use these for in our Privacy Policy. Decline Accept