Dubai - 28 June, 2016 – During his keynote presentation at the recent Health Excellence Conference MENA held in Dubai, the regional chief of Aetna International, the leading global health benefits provider, underlined the need to “re-build” the existing health insurance systems.
According to Hisham Radwan, vice president & regional general manager, Middle East & Africa for Aetna International, consolidated efforts are required to solve the present “fragmented health system” of unhealthy populations which is causing significant strain on workplace productivity.
“Now is the time for insurers and government entities to collaborate with doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and labs, and others to build a simpler, more integrated healthcare system that puts the consumers at the center,” explained Radwan.
“This means aligning focus and incentives around improving the health of individuals and lowering the overall cost of care,” he said.
Radwan said that workplace productivity is affected by the disjointed approach to health care administration. Lack of coordination can lead to gaps in care leading to less than optimal health, inappropriate and excessive treatment, and upward pressure on insurance premiums.
As a result, organizations suffer due to fraud, waste and abuse of the system combined with absenteeism, short- and long-term disability, and presenteeism – where employees are physically onsite but not being productive.
“Experts have estimated that this all costs companies two trillion dollars* annually in lost productivity,” he adds.
Radwan’s presentation proposed a member-driven health insurance model that evolves the traditional medical system to an integrated health care system. In this new model, members would pay for prolonged good health instead of simply from paying for treatment.
“By aligning economic initiatives, the new system would leverage sophisticated technology and care management supported by smart data to increase member engagement in an evolutionary healthcare system. The much-improved system would focus on better service, clinical quality and convenience,” added Radwan.
The presentation also outlined what a future healthcare system must offer consumers, such as integrated, digital tools that empower members with convenience and control to manage their health. The new system should also enable providers to deliver on the new model of care through technology that seamlessly connects the healthcare community.
The Health Excellence Conference MENA 2016 gathered local, regional and international industry voices to explore opportunities and challenges across the regional healthcare system —from policymakers and healthcare providers and insurers, to pharmaceuticals, technology companies and employers.
*Source: World Economic Forum “the new discipline of workforce wellness”
