28
Jan

Leveraging Technological Innovation for Good Health and Well-Being: Experiences from Asia-Pacific Countries

Technological innovation is increasingly vital for promoting health and well-being. Advances in personal wearable devices, mobile apps, digital platforms, big data, and artificial intelligence (AI) are being applied across various contexts—from supporting individual behavioral changes to enhancing health services, health planning, advocacy efforts, and health system strengthening. These innovations are essential for responding to crises, addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

This side meeting will showcase how countries and regions in the Asia-Pacific, including China, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, and Thailand, are implementing accessible, locally adapted technologies within their health systems. Each country/region will present real-world case studies demonstrating how these innovations improve health outcomes and support UHC.

Case Study from Sichuan Province: Big Data for Children's Physical Activity in China
The Sichuan Province Students' Physical Fitness and Health Big Data Center uses big data to improve student health. Established in partnership with the Sichuan Provincial Department of Education, the initiative covers over 99% of students aged 6-22, reaching 11.58 million students across 10,313 schools annually. The platform collects real-time fitness data to tailor health interventions, serving as a model for using data-driven approaches to promote physical activity and well-being in youth.

Case Study: National Steps Challenge in Singapore
Led by the Policy & Technology Innovation Office at Singapore’s Health Promotion Board (HPB), the National Steps Challenge demonstrates how wearable devices, and mobile technology can promote personalized health. Nearly 3,000 participants use FitBit Ionic smartwatches linked to the Health Insights Singapore app, tracking their physical activity, sleep patterns, and heart rates. With gamification and incentives, participation has grown from 156,000 to 800,000, showing the power of technology in driving community health engagement.

Republic of Korea Case Study: Harnessing Technological Innovations in Long-Term Care for an Aging Population
South Korea’s long-term care (LTC) insurance system integrates advanced technologies like telemedicine and remote monitoring to improve care quality and efficiency. AI-driven platforms help manage patient data and support caregivers by predicting care needs and optimizing decision-making. These innovations have enhanced care accessibility and reduced the burden on caregivers, ensuring high-quality, efficient care for the aging population.

Taiwan Case Study: Leveraging IC-Chipped NHI Cards for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) utilizes IC-chipped NHI cards as insurance certificates with smart functionalities that enhance healthcare delivery. These cards serve as a vital link between patients and medical institutions, enabling doctors to access patients’ recent medical records swiftly. During epidemic outbreaks, such as SARS in 2003 and COVID-19 in 2020, the NHI IC card proved instrumental in tracking suspected cases and facilitating real-time detection. This innovative use of technology supports health promotion, disease prevention, and efficient epidemic management, demonstrating how digital tools can strengthen health systems and improve population health outcomes.

Thailand Case Study: Implementing “30-Baht Treatment Anywhere” with the National ID Card

Thailand’s Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) introduced the “30-Baht Treatment Anywhere” initiative, leveraging the National ID card to enhance healthcare accessibility and continuity of care. By integrating the National ID system with health services, patients can receive treatment at any participating facility nationwide without the need for prior registration at a specific hospital. This approach streamlines administrative processes, reduces barriers to care, and ensures patients receive timely medical attention regardless of location. The initiative demonstrates how digital integration can improve service delivery and advance equity in healthcare access, aligning with the goals of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).