The increasing use of technology has bolstered advice firms offering to clients, but according to investors in Asia, healthcare providers have benefited greatly.
Prudential 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.
It is based on a survey of 5,000 people from 13 countries and territories in Asia – Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
The survey found 81% believe technology has already improved their access to health services and 60% believe it has improved the affordability.
Some 71% of those surveyed said they will rely on technology even more heavily to improve their personal health and wellbeing.
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.
‘Full potential’
Nic Nicandrou, chief executive of Prudential Asia, said: “This 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.”