AXA has launched the ‘Mind Health’ programme in Hong Kong – which, according to the insurer, is the first employee mental healthcare scheme in the market.
In a statement, AXA said that mental health is an increasingly vital concern in Asia, affecting millions of people, and research underlines the workplace as being the front-line for many dealing with mental health issues. The insurer cited a study which found that 37% of respondents in Hong Kong have at some point in their lifetime experienced mental ill health while in employment. This is further exacerbated by societal expectations of supporting the family, meaning workers can neglect their own health needs despite recognising stress is a key factor in wider health issues.
The Mind Health programme incorporates tailored mental health support into employee benefits plans in Hong Kong. It contains initiatives that address three key areas: education, prevention and treatment.
The launch builds on AXA’s recent partnership with The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Oxford VR, which is working on an automated immersive therapy for mental health in Asia using virtual reality.
“Listening to our customers and working with experts in the healthcare space has enabled us to identify key gaps in addressing mental health needs in Asia,” said Gordon Watson, CEO of AXA Asia. “Improving awareness and education can break down the ongoing stigma surrounding mental well-being, while easy-to-access resources and tools can provide the means for self-help, supporting prevention. Finally, support and treatment when needed help overcome the limited coverage that make accessing clinical care challenging. By ensuring we tackle all three areas, AXA can optimise health outcomes for people in the workplace and bridge the current gap in support as part of our wider effort on health in the region.”
