Insights

10-Mar-17 Indonesia is likely the largest outbound medical travel market, according to Josef Woodman of Patients Beyond Borders. “Indonesia’s healthcare infrastructure is generally poor and about 1.5 to 2 mn Indonesian medical travelers go to Southeast Asia or Australia,” he said. China is also one of the largest medical tourism markets as many Chinese travelers look for better healthcare. [image: Skift]

09-Mar-17 With 9,000 workers needed over the next three years, the Ministry of Health (MOH) will invest an additional SGD24 mn to attract more Singaporeans, in particular mid-career professionals, to take up a job in healthcare. Among the 9,000 needed, about half are Professional, Manager, Executive and Technician (PMET) roles such as nurses, therapists, administrative executives and operations managers. [image: SGH]

07-Mar-17 Singapore-based EDBI and Royal Philips aim to accelerate their joint investment alliance and partner with more innovative companies in the digital health sector. This ambition is in line with Singapore’s latest focus to strengthen its position as a leading digital health hub. CXA Group, the employee benefits and wellness marketplace platform, is the first to receive funding from the alliance. [image: Singapore Business Review]

06-Mar-17 IHH Healthcare, Asia's largest hospital operator by market value, has sold a USD160 mn stake in Apollo Hospitals in a deal that will consolidate its investments in India. It operates >10,000 beds in 52 hospitals across 10 countries, with Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey and India making up most of its MYR10 bn (USD2.2 bn) revenue in 2016. [image: The Economic Times]

05-Mar-17 Indonesia’s healthcare insurance scheme is struggling to gain traction. Poor services at public hospitals and the difficulty of accessing care across the vast archipelago are factors, but abuse of the scheme by hospitals and fraud by users are also to blame. The number of people benefiting from the scheme may be less than official figures claim. [image: FT Confidentail Research]