Healthy heart at the heart of Manulife’s campaign

29 Oct 2018 2134 | Business & Trade Fairs

About 24 percent of deaths in Cambodia are caused by cardiovascular diseases, said global life insurance provider Manulife Cambodia chief executive officer and general manager George Elliot, quoting figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“In fact, WHO said it is the second largest death and disability in the country. However, the organisation also noted that 90 percent of those over 18 years of age here are physically active. That is good news,” he said.

Speaking at the company’s ‘My Heart, Your Heart’ health campaign, Mr Elliot said by staying active and eating healthy, there is a high chance one can prevent the onslaught of a heart disease.

The programme is in line with Manulife’s global heart awareness campaign and its recently launched critical illness policy, which covers up to 14 critical illnesses, including heart diseases.

The half-day campaign included presentations on high blood pressure by Dr Chour Sok, leading Cambodian cardiologist and president of the Cambodian Heart Association; a talk on noncommunicable diseases by Dr Youdaline Theng; and a presentation on Manulife critical illness policy by its chief agency officer Rotha Chan.

There was also a doctors’ panel discussion session led by Dr Sok and Dr Theng, free medical checks for participants, a cheque presentation to the Cambodia Heart Association (Manulife contributed $5 for each event participant), and a lucky draw.

“Globally, the company has focused on healthy heart and healthy living because if you lead a healthy lifestyle, chances are you can prevent a heart disease.

“In Cambodia, statistics show that 90 percent of those over 18 years of age are quite active as they continue playing sports. A healthy lifestyle not only improves the heart but also other organs in your body. So the heart is the centre of what our campaign is about,” he said.

Since entering the local market in 2012, Manulife now has 70,000 policy holders with a total value of $1.7 billion, Mr Elliot said.