Zuellig joins HBC via Malaysian subsidiary

Zuellig Pharma, the region’s leading healthcare services provider, has invested in Health Benefit Consultants Co (HBC) through its Malaysian subsidiary MiCare Sdn Bhd.

Moses Hee, Zuellig Pharma’s vicepresident for integrated solutions, said this partnership will focus on expanding HBC in Thailand.

“We want to work closely with HBC to grow its existing business and help it serve better the needs of Thai people, companies and insurers. The business is responsible for managing health insurance for 2.5 million Thais and we believe there is a lot of potential for growth,” he said.

HBC is a leading third-party administrator in Thailand, providing medical claims administrative services and related consulting and advisory services to corporate customers and insurance companies.

It was established in 1993 and assesses about 25,000 claims a month.

HBC expects the partnership with Zuellig to boost revenue by about 40% in the next 12 months.

HBC managing director Permsak Natenuj said the partnership will allow HBC to l everage Zuellig’s regional network and MiCare’s technology and expertise.

“Zuellig’s strong regional network and focus on developing innovative new solutions will help us expand. This partnership will enable the development of technology and solutions that will deliver greater health benefits to Thai people,” he said.

In the past 20 years, HBC has enjoyed above-average market growth.

Over the past few years, average market growth has been 15%-20% annually, and HBC expanded at 20%-25% per year.

Mr Permsak noted that with the technology and expertise shared by Zuellig, HBC will be able to provide improved cost efficiency for its customers.

Technology and good database analysis will enable HBC to help insurance companies design policies that address better customer needs while helping hospitals providing the best possible service covered under insurance policies. At the same time, customers will enjoy 24-hour service provided by HBC, he said.

MiCare is the leading partner for Payors in Malaysia, offering health and wellness as well as third-party administration services to more than 6,000 corporate and insurance companies, through which more than 2 million members are covered.

Zuellig will leverage MiCare’s technology and expertise to bring new services to Thailand in partnership with HBC.

“MiCare offers corporate and insurance companies a range of services to improve the health of people they insure. This is not only good for individuals but also helps reduce corporate healthcare and insurance costs,” Mr Hee said.