Manulife Hong Kong is taking the lead to support the pillars of low-income families to improve their health and well-being by launching the first business-sponsored health voucher charity program in partnership with Christian Family Service Centre (CFSC).
A press conference was held by the Manulife Hong Kong on 16 March 2021.
Manulife commissioned the Centre for the Advancement of Social Sciences Research (CASR) of Hong Kong Baptist University to conduct a survey with the support of CFSC from December 2020 to January 2021. With over 300 respondents of low-income groups interviewed, the survey reveals their healthcare issues and health-related habits, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on their employment.
The survey found that low-income families are lacking proactivity in seeking medical care and access to medical check-ups or insurance. Up to 42% of respondents stated that they would not consult a doctor with early signs of illness, and of them about 79% would rely on over-the-counter medicines. The majority of respondents (89%) also did not have a regular medical check-up as they found it costly (71%) and believed that there were no pressing health issues (37%). The findings showed that low-income groups are not recognizing the necessity to identify or take care of their healthcare needs at early stage, with 82% of the respondents without any medical insurance at all. This reveals an immediate need to support grassroot families and promote preventive healthcare and early intervention to rectify the situation.
The COVID-19 outbreak has accelerated the situation further as almost two-thirds of the respondents (66%) are experiencing different levels of impact from the pandemic, including income reduction, unemployment or cut-down on employee benefits. Yet, the survey also found that 81% of respondents have wide-ranging medical needs, including sustained pain (48%), oral problems (42%), nutrition or body weight issues (13%), that require attention and care.
Details of the survey:
Manulife NewsroomPress news: hket
Oriental Daily
HK01
Hong Kong Business Times
The Standard
(Source of information and photo: Manulife)
(March 16, 2021)