Health in Asia is advancing—life expectancy is rising, and healthcare systems are evolving. Yet for many, accessing care remains complex and costly. Patient Voices, a study by Economist Impact supported by Prudential, explores the experiences of patients across four Asian markets. It highlights the challenges they face and offers actionable insights to help shape a more transparent, worry and hassle-free healthcare journey that puts patients at the centre of it.

Patient Voices: experiences of healthcare access Asia is an Economist Impact report

About this report

Patient Voices: experiences of healthcare access Asia is an Economist Impact report, commissioned by Prudential.

Drawing on a survey of more than 4,200 people and conversations with clinicians, academics and advocates, it charts the everyday obstacles of finding, affording and trusting care. The analysis reveals three pain points

– system complexity, cost shocks and information gaps

– that cut across Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

Patient voices Indonesia: caught between care, cost and clarity

Patient voices Indonesia: caught between care, cost and clarity

More than 9 in 10 Indonesians surveyed reported delaying treatment or seeking care, often due to financial responsibilities or prioritising childcare. For many patients, accessing healthcare remains far from hassle-free. Competing priorities, unclear health information, and a lack of trusted advice all play a big role in patients’ healthcare decisions.

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