Latest news with #WeCare
The Star
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Kindness and compassion on call
Doctor's free dialysis centres a lifeline for patients in need MELAKA: For many Malaysians living with chronic kidney disease, the cost of dialysis is a heavy burden, one that drains not only their finances but their hope. Amid a rising tide in end-stage kidney failure cases in the country, Dr M. Ganeshwaran stands out as a quiet force of change, providing free dialysis to some 60 underprivileged patients every single day. A former public health medical officer, the 44-year-old has dedicated himself to ensuring that access to life-sustaining dialysis does not depend on one's income. Through several dialysis centres he established in Petaling Jaya, Kuala Kubu Baru and Puchong in Selangor, Dr Ganeshwaran and his team provide daily treatment to patients who would otherwise struggle to cope with the high cost of treatment. 'They are not just patients but people trying to stay alive while managing their children's school fees, house rent and daily necessities. 'Many patients from poor backgrounds come to me for help to get free dialysis treatment and I decided to offer them at all three centres,' he said in an interview. Dr Ganeshwaran said each centre also offers emotional and psychological support, acknowledging the toll chronic illness takes on an individual. 'Many arrive in despair but over time, they find not just care but comfort and strength to go on,' said the chief operating officer of of a private medical centre in Selangor. Dr Ganeshwaran noted that the significance of the effort becomes clearer when placed against the backdrop of Malaysia's increasing kidney-related illnesses. 'As of 2023, approximately 15.5% of Malaysians are living with some stage of chronic kidney disease, with most of them unaware of their condition. 'Each year, over 10,000 new patients begin dialysis, and by the end of 2023, the total number of Malaysians undergoing regular dialysis stood at 46,659,' he said. Dr Ganeshwaran said Melaka recorded the highest dialysis acceptance rate in the country in 2023 with 384 patients per million population. This urgent need has led Dr Ganeshwaran to expand his mission to the state where plans are underway to open a fourth dialysis centre. He also aims to launch a new NGO known as 'We Care', which will focus on early detection, community education and intervention in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity, the leading causes of kidney failure. Dr Ganeshwaran also emphasised the importance of prevention methods before a disease progresses to critical stages. 'Free dialysis is necessary but the bigger goal is to prevent people from ever needing it,' he said. Dr Ganeshwaran's roots in Melaka run deeper than the new project. In 2022, he opened the Hang Tuah Clinic in Ayer Keroh, named after the legendary Malay warrior, fulfilling a promise he made a year earlier to Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali. He said the former chief minister had highlighted the need for affordable healthcare services in the state and within a year, the clinic started its operations. 'Today, the clinic continues to provide accessible medical care to those caught between the long queues of public healthcare and the rising cost of private treatment,' he said, adding that his aim was to continue offering a model of medical care rooted in 'compassion, community and sustainability'. Dr Ganeshwaran has devoted over a decade to humanitarian work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, helping relocate more than 60 cases to the United States and Canada. His missions have taken him across Australia, Lebanon, Sweden, Jordan, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore. He has also provided aid to flood victims in Pakistan, Syrian refugees in Jordan, typhoon victims in Tacloban, Philippines, and 2005 earthquake survivors in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Meanwhile, the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) returns for the 11th edition to honour everyday Malaysians whose compassion and selflessness have made a lasting impact on others. With McDonald's Malaysia as the new strategic partner, SGHA is poised to broaden its reach and deepen its impact nationwide. This year also marks the debut of the McDonald's Caring Hearts Award – a special recognition honouring individuals or grassroots groups whose heartfelt acts of kindness have uplifted lives in profound and lasting ways. Since its inception in 2015, SGHA has honoured over 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
NZ Herald
25-06-2025
- Health
- NZ Herald
A new care model to put patients first
WeCare's team model offers same-day, seven-day care made easy. Ever felt like the healthcare system leaves you underwhelmed, underserviced and without the care you need? It isn't an uncommon problem thanks to a primary system designed to treat everyone the same, irrespective of their age, ailment or needs. It's not just patients who get disillusioned, but practitioners, too, who must fit care into a rigid 15-minute appointment routine. That's barely enough time for pleasantries, let alone addressing potentially complex care requirements. It's a problem Dr Brian Ko of WeCare believes can be addressed by rethinking how primary care is delivered. 'Our mission is to deliver faster, smarter, and more patient-centric care, transforming New Zealand's primary healthcare system,' he states. WeCare's premise is straightforward: A needs-based model of primary care revolving around the patient, not rules designed to cram as many patients into an hour irrespective of their ailments or healthcare needs. In other words, it's a shift away from conveyor-belt-style care. Much of that boils down to a system redesigned for the most effective use of resources; when presenting with a minor ailment, a nurse is quite capable of dispensing appropriate advice and medication. Should the condition prove more serious, a senior clinician is called in. 'We've transformed the care model by redefining the GP's role to a consultant and leader, overseeing a team of capable clinicians like nurse prescribers, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and paramedics,' Dr Ko explains. 'It's care appropriate to the condition and the patient, and not just a 15 minute in and out, as if every patient were the same.' Despite healthcare being declared a 'priority area' by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in January 2025, New Zealanders remain sceptical about immediate solutions to the ongoing healthcare crisis. Long wait times, a critical shortage of general practitioners (GPs), and what some refer to as an outdated care model have left many feeling neglected by the system. A 2023 report by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners notes that New Zealand faces a shortfall of approximately 500 GPs, particularly in rural areas. More Kiwis are turning to private health insurance for faster access to treatments and specialist care, signalling growing discontent with the public system. WeCare and Dr Ko don't see the problem as a lack of resources, instead taking a view of optimising existing structures and personnel with a patient-centric model prioritising accessibility, affordability, and innovation. 'If GPs and even specialists aren't spending all their time on minor ailments, they have more time to focus on the increasing number of patients with chronic or complex health challenges,' he points out. For example, a young patient with a simple infection might receive a quick nurse-led consultation, while an elderly patient with multiple chronic conditions could benefit from a 30-minute or longer engagement with an advanced clinician. 'If you structure and resource more effectively, you're going to get much better outcomes,' Dr Ko says. 'This flexibility ensures care is tailored to patients' needs, reducing wait times and enhancing satisfaction.' Not only does this target care where required, but it results in what is usually more rewarding work for the doctors concerned; most didn't study for years only to spend their days issuing prescriptions for cold medicine. Dr Ko says WeCare's approach, which also 'productises' access so patients know what they are getting (and what they will pay), directly addresses issues in the healthcare system. In addition to feeling like they don't get the care they need, patients often wait weeks for non-urgent GP appointments. WeCare's model prioritises accessibility and responsiveness, not necessarily seeing the same person each time. But every consultation is overseen by an advanced clinician, ensuring patients receive safe, appropriate care tailored to their needs. The WeCare productisation includes services like CareNow, delivering fast, affordable, mostly nurse-led care for niggles, common conditions, and minor injuries, with fees from $25 – ideal for working families looking for same-day care. Drop-inCare addresses more urgent issues where same-day diagnosis and treatment matters, for $60. GeneralPractice is non-urgent standard care providing room for developing a trusted relationship between clinician and patient. And then there's MedDirect, designed to be a tailored, affordable solution for people with chronic health needs or those who take regular medication, making renewals simpler and care more consistent. The model has clearly been working. Since its founding in 2016, WeCare has grown from 1300 patients in one Canterbury clinic to over 23,000 across four branches. This growth suggests Dr Ko and WeCare's view that 'there is a better way' is shared by people looking for more effectively delivered care. 'Our mission is delivering faster, smarter, and more patient-centric care through an integrated, team-based model, where the right expertise is applied depending on the needs of every patient,' says Dr Ko. 'We're redefining the role of GPs and making them more efficient with support from appropriately trained and experienced colleagues including senior clinicians, nurse practitioners, physician associates, nurse prescribers, pharmacists, and extended-care paramedics.' For those wondering if there's a better way, WeCare believes it has found one. Dr Ko says the model is extensible and scalable, with the organisation currently taking enrolments and looking to expand further from its Canterbury roots. What that means in practice is that better care could soon be available near you.
News18
25-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Bank FD: SBI Vs ICICI Bank Vs HDFC Bank, Check Detailed Comparison Of FD Interest Rates
Last Updated: Bank FD: ICICI Bank is offering better FD interest rates than SBI and HDFC Bank across most tenures — especially in the mid to long term. SBI Vs HDFC Bank Vs ICICI Bank FD Rates: After the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) monetary policy committee earlier this month announced a 50-bps reduction in the key repo rate, commercial banks, including ICICI Bank, SBI, HDFC Bank, PNB and Axis Bank, have followed suit by reducing interest rates on loans and deposits. Here are the latest revised fixed deposit (FD) interest rates being offered by three major lenders — HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and State Bank of India (SBI). According to the latest revised rates, ICICI Bank is offering better FD interest rates than SBI and HDFC Bank across most tenures — especially in the mid to long term. For short-term FDs (up to 6 months), SBI leads with up to 5.80%, while HDFC and ICICI offer slightly lower returns of up to 5.75%. For 1 to 2 years, all three banks are competitive, offering up to 6.25%–6.35% for the general public. However, ICICI edges ahead in the 18-month to 2-year bracket with a rate of 6.50%. For long-term FDs (2–10 years), ICICI again leads with 6.60%, followed by HDFC at 6.40% and SBI at 6.30% for select tenures. Senior citizens get higher returns across all banks. ICICI and HDFC offer the highest at 7.10% for select tenures, while SBI peaks at 7.05% under its 'We Care' scheme. SBI's FD Interest Rate (On Deposits Below Rs 3 Crore) (with effect from June 15, 2025): HDFC Bank's latest interest rates on fixed deposits less than Rs 3 crore (per annum, effective from June 10): ICICI Bank's Latest Interest Rates on Fixed Deposits Below Rs 3 Crore (effective June 18): 7 days to 45 days: For General Public – 3.00 per cent; For Senior Citizens – 3.50 per cent 46 days to 90 days: For General Public – 4.00 per cent; For Senior Citizens – 4.50 per cent 61 days to 184 days: For General Public – 4.50 per cent; For Senior Citizens – 5.00 per cent 91 days to 184 days: For General Public – 4.50 per cent; For Senior Citizens – 5.00 per cent 185 days to 270 days: For General Public – 5.50 per cent; For Senior Citizens – 6.00 per cent 271 days to less than 1 year: For General Public – 5.75 per cent; For Senior Citizens – 6.25 per cent 1 year to less than 15 months: For General Public – 6.25 per cent; For Senior Citizens – 6.75 per cent 15 months to less than 18 months: For General Public – 6.35 per cent; For Senior Citizens – 6.85 per cent 18 months to 2 years: For General Public – 6.50 per cent; For Senior Citizens – 7.00 per cent 2 years 1 day to 5 years: For General Public – 6.60 per cent; For Senior Citizens – 7.10 per cent 5 years 1 day to 10 years: For General Public – 6.60 per cent; For Senior Citizens – 7.10 per cent 5 years (tax saver FD): For General Public – 6.60 per cent; For Senior Citizens – 7.10 per cent. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its last monetary policy review earlier this month slashed the key repo rate by unexpected 50 bps to 5.5%. It also announced a reduction in cash reserve ratio (CRR) by 100 bps to 3%. top videos View all As per the latest available data, India's CPI-based retail inflation in May 2025 stood at 2.82%, lowest since February 2019. The RBI expects retail inflation for FY26 to stand at 3.7%, marking the lowest average retail inflation forecast by the central bank in recent years. About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris has been previously More Stay updated with all the latest business news, including market trends, stock updates, tax, IPO, banking finance, real estate, savings and investments. Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates—only on News18. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Bank FDs FD interest rates Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 25, 2025, 13:57 IST News business » savings-and-investments Bank FD: SBI Vs ICICI Bank Vs HDFC Bank, Check Detailed Comparison Of FD Interest Rates
Associated Press
02-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Blue Launches New Brand Campaign
Humorous Presentation of 'Self-Service Insurance, Simplifying Complexity' Spotlight on Term Life Protection with 'Guaranteed Lowest Price in Town' HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 June 2025 - Blue, Hong Kong's first digital life insurer, today unveiled its latest brand campaign, continuing the tagline 'Choose Blue, insurance is that simple'. The campaign uses humor to illustrate how Blue simplifies complex insurance processes through its online platform. The ads highlight Blue's simple and flexible protection plans, empowering customers to self-serve with ease — truly making life simpler with Blue. Blue, the first digital life insurer in Hong Kong, has launched its latest brand campaign with the slogan 'Choose Blue, insurance is that simple'. The campaign kicks off with a video advertisement that humorously illustrates how Blue's online insurance solutions simplify complexity, making it easy for customers to get insured. Blue 'WeCare Term Life Protection Plan TL3' promises customers the lowest price in town for the life protection. The campaign features two ad versions — 'Savage Mother-in-law' and 'Shy Bestie' (available on Blue's YouTube channel: & ). Set in what appears to be a casual dinner setting, the 'Savage Mother-in-law' ad humorously portrays a series of rapid demands and the daughter-in-law's witty responses, emphasizing the message: 'Life is complicated enough — fortunately, insurance doesn't have to be.' The 'Shy Bestie' ad delivers the line 'Love doesn't always come when you make the first move, but Blue always has you covered,' humorously reinforcing Blue's promise of the 'lowest price in town' for life protection. Beyond TV ads, Blue is rolling out the campaign across multiple online and offline channels this month, including bus and taxi ads, online banners, and social media content to amplify its reach. Mr. Danny Wu, VP & Head of Digital & Marketing of Blue, stated: 'We aim to break the traditional barriers of the insurance industry by simplifying complex terms and procedures, giving customers full control over their protection. We believe digitalization brings simplicity and flexibility that better meets evolving customer needs. With Blue, insurance is no longer complicated — customers can complete the entire application process in as fast as 5 minutes, truly making life simpler.' Blue 'WeCare Term Life Protection Plan TL3" — Guaranteed Lowest Price in Town Blue guarantees the lowest price in town during the first policy benefit term¹, ensuring customers get the best deal on term life protection — making it easier than ever to protect their loved ones. Key Features: Campaign Offers: Blue Insurance Limited is authorized and regulated by the Insurance Authority under the Insurance Ordinance (Cap. 41) to sell insurance products in Hong Kong. For full campaign and product details, terms and conditions, visit: . Terms and conditions apply to the above products and offers. Remarks: 1. 'Lowest Rate Guaranteed' compares the standard premiums of two quotations. To be eligible for the 'Lowest Rate Guaranteed', the two quotations must be on the same premium payment term, policy benefit term, issue age, sex, and smoking status, and is applicable to term life policies that are intended for online sale and in Hong Kong only. 'Lowest Rate Guaranteed' is not applicable for submitted applications and in-force policies. 2. Actual underwriting result depends on the age and health condition of the Insured. 3. While the Policy is in force, renewal is guaranteed at the end of the Policy Benefit Term, before the Life Assured's 96th birthday. For more details, please refer to the Product Summary and the Policy Provisions. Hashtag: #BlueHK #LiveEasy #DigitalInsurance #BlueisthatSimple #BrandCampaign #SimplifyingComplexity #TermLifeProtection #GuaranteedLowestPriceInTown The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ABOUT BLUE Blue is the first digital life insurer in Hong Kong. It is a joint venture between Hillhouse Investment, a leading investment management firm with extensive investment experience, and Tencent Holdings Limited, a leading Internet value added services provider. Blue focuses on providing simple, flexible and valuable insurance solutions. It is committed to making people's lives easier by empowering them to take charge of their own protection. For more information, please visit
Malay Mail
02-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Blue Launches New Brand Campaign
Humorous Presentation of 'Self-Service Insurance, Simplifying Complexity' Spotlight on Term Life Protection with 'Guaranteed Lowest Price in Town' Blue, the first digital life insurer in Hong Kong, has launched its latest brand campaign with the slogan 'Choose Blue, insurance is that simple'. The campaign kicks off with a video advertisement that humorously illustrates how Blue's online insurance solutions simplify complexity, making it easy for customers to get insured. Blue 'WeCare Term Life Protection Plan TL3' promises customers the lowest price in town for the life protection. Highly cost-effective life protection: Guarantees the lowest premium in town for the first benefit term. With a simple and straightforward plan that does not involve a savings component, for up to a maximum coverage amount of HK$5.5 million. Moreover, the premium is guaranteed to remain unchanged during the same premium payment period. Guarantees the lowest premium in town for the first benefit term. With a simple and straightforward plan that does not involve a savings component, for up to a maximum coverage amount of HK$5.5 million. Moreover, the premium is guaranteed to remain unchanged during the same premium payment period. Covers Hypertension and High Cholesterol: No additional health proof required; even high blood pressure and high cholesterol are covered², and the coverage amount or benefits will not be affected by changes in the insured person's health condition. No additional health proof required; even high blood pressure and high cholesterol are covered², and the coverage amount or benefits will not be affected by changes in the insured person's health condition. Guaranteed Policy Renewal: Guarantees automatic renewal³ of the policy, ensures continuous coverage without gaps. Guarantees automatic renewal³ of the policy, ensures continuous coverage without gaps. Flexible benefit terms: Policy periods are at 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 years or up to age 65 respectively, allowing customers to choose the insurance plan that best suits their needs. Policy periods are at 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 years or up to age 65 respectively, allowing customers to choose the insurance plan that best suits their needs. Easy Application & Management: Customers only need to answer a few simple health questions and can complete the application in as little as 5 minutes — quick and easy, eliminating the hassle of complicated life insurance procedures. WeCare Term Life Protection Plan TL3 : 60% off first-year premium, 40% off second year, plus up to HK$800 supermarket vouchers and HK$100,000 personal accident coverage. : 60% off first-year premium, 40% off second year, plus up to HK$800 supermarket vouchers and HK$100,000 personal accident coverage. WeCare Critical Illness Protection Plan 1 : 60% off first-year premium, 40% off second year, plus up to HK$600 vouchers and HK$100,000 accident coverage. : 60% off first-year premium, 40% off second year, plus up to HK$600 vouchers and HK$100,000 accident coverage. WeCare Personal Accident Protection Plan 1 : HK$1 million coverage with HK$200 voucher. : HK$1 million coverage with HK$200 voucher. WeMedi Outpatient Protector : First-year premium HK$388 (original HK$488), plus HK$200 voucher. : First-year premium HK$388 (original HK$488), plus HK$200 voucher. WeMedi HK Dental Protector D2 : First-year premium HK$1,688 (original HK$1,988), plus HK$800 voucher. : First-year premium HK$1,688 (original HK$1,988), plus HK$800 voucher. WeCare Flexible Term Life Plan TF1: 60% off first-year premium, 40% off second year, plus up to HK$800 supermarket vouchers and HK$100,000 personal accident coverage. HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 June 2025 - Blue, Hong Kong's first digital life insurer, today unveiled its latest brand campaign, continuing the tagline "Choose Blue, insurance is that simple". The campaign uses humor to illustrate how Blue simplifies complex insurance processes through its online platform. The ads highlight Blue's simple and flexible protection plans, empowering customers to self-serve with ease — truly making life simpler with campaign features two ad versions — "Savage Mother-in-law" and "Shy Bestie" (available on Blue's YouTube channel: ). Set in what appears to be a casual dinner setting, the "Savage Mother-in-law" ad humorously portrays a series of rapid demands and the daughter-in-law's witty responses, emphasizing the message: "Life is complicated enough — fortunately, insurance doesn't have to be." The "Shy Bestie" ad delivers the line "Love doesn't always come when you make the first move, but Blue always has you covered," humorously reinforcing Blue's promise of the "lowest price in town" for life protection. Beyond TV ads, Blue is rolling out the campaign across multiple online and offline channels this month, including bus and taxi ads, online banners, and social media content to amplify its Danny Wu, VP & Head of Digital & Marketing of Blue, stated: "We aim to break the traditional barriers of the insurance industry by simplifying complex terms and procedures, giving customers full control over their protection. We believe digitalization brings simplicity and flexibility that better meets evolving customer needs. With Blue, insurance is no longer complicated — customers can complete the entire application process in as fast as 5 minutes, truly making life simpler."Blue guarantees the lowest price in town during the first policy benefit term¹, ensuring customers get the best deal on term life protection — making it easier than ever to protect their loved Features:Blue Insurance Limited is authorized and regulated by the Insurance Authority under the Insurance Ordinance (Cap. 41) to sell insurance products in Hong Kong. For full campaign and product details, terms and conditions, visit: . Terms and conditions apply to the above products and "Lowest Rate Guaranteed" compares the standard premiums of two quotations. To be eligible for the "Lowest Rate Guaranteed", the two quotations must be on the same premium payment term, policy benefit term, issue age, sex, and smoking status, and is applicable to term life policies that are intended for online sale and in Hong Kong only. "Lowest Rate Guaranteed" is not applicable for submitted applications and in-force policies.2. Actual underwriting result depends on the age and health condition of the Insured.3. While the Policy is in force, renewal is guaranteed at the end of the Policy Benefit Term, before the Life Assured's 96th birthday. For more details, please refer to the Product Summary and the Policy #BlueHK #LiveEasy #DigitalInsurance #BlueisthatSimple #BrandCampaign #SimplifyingComplexity #TermLifeProtection #GuaranteedLowestPriceInTown The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ABOUT BLUE Blue is the first digital life insurer in Hong Kong. It is a joint venture between Hillhouse Investment, a leading investment management firm with extensive investment experience, and Tencent Holdings Limited, a leading Internet value added services provider. Blue focuses on providing simple, flexible and valuable insurance solutions. It is committed to making people's lives easier by empowering them to take charge of their own protection. For more information, please visit
