Are Over 90% of Indian Employees Confident About Affording Healthcare Needs?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Over 90% of employees in India are confident in affording healthcare.
- Financial constraints and long wait times are major barriers to care.
- Employers are seen as the most trusted source for quality healthcare.
- Customization of benefits packages fosters employee trust.
- There is a growing emphasis on preventive care and long-term health planning.
New Delhi, June 26 (NationPress) A striking over 90 percent of Indian employees believe they can meet their healthcare needs for themselves and their families, as revealed in a report released on Thursday.
The Mercer Marsh Benefits report, which surveyed more than 18,000 employees across 17 markets, including India, delves into the aspects of workplace benefits that employees value most and how their expectations are changing.
According to the findings, Indian employees exhibit significant levels of well-being and satisfaction. The report also emphasizes a shift towards greater expectations regarding flexibility, personalization, and long-term support, reflecting the evolution of the Indian workforce towards long-term aspirations.
Interestingly, while the report indicated that 92 percent of employees feel confident about affording healthcare, the primary barriers to accessing healthcare were identified as financial constraints and anticipated long wait times.
This underscores that even with insurance, out-of-pocket expenses and other financial factors are hindering some employees from obtaining necessary care.
Moreover, the report identified employers as the most trusted source for affordable, quality healthcare.
It reported that over 80 percent of employees who could customize their benefits packages felt that their employer genuinely cared about their health and well-being.
This presents a timely chance for employers to outstrip their competitors by revising their benefits strategy, focusing on preventive care and early detection through outpatient provisions (OPD), as highlighted in the report.
“Our report outlines a strategic plan for employers. In India, there is a growing focus on longevity and future planning. As life expectancy rises and careers extend, employers have a substantial opportunity to foster trust and commitment by prioritizing benefits that enhance long-term health planning and financial well-being, ensuring their workforce flourishes not only today but well into retirement,” stated Sanjay Kedia, Chief Executive Officer of Marsh McLennan India and President and CEO of Marsh India.
Additionally, the report suggested that employers enhance the quality and timeliness of healthcare by investigating innovative care delivery models, including telemedicine and collaborations with local healthcare providers.