Singapore has launched the LumiHealth app with Apple, in an innovative move to help improve health and wellness outcomes. The collaboration was announced today as part of the country’s Smart Nation initiative. A national effort to leverage technology to deliver benefits to its citizens and businesses.
What is LumiHealth?
LumiHealth will use technology and behavioral insights to encourage Singaporeans to maintain healthy and complete wellness challenges through their Apple Watch and iPhone. The app was created by a team of physicians and public health experts.
How will it work?
According to Bloomberg, as part of the scheme, Singapore residents will be able to earn as much as S$380 ($280) in rewards and vouchers by completing goals and tasks set within the app. “Goals can be accomplished by walking or doing other exercises like swimming or yoga.” The LumiHealth app will offer personalized coaching and reminders for health screenings and immunizations. Wellness challenges will nudge users toward making better food choices and improving sleep habits.
Voluntary Programme
The LumiHealth program is voluntary. While the issue of privacy of data is always debated when an initiative of this scale is initiated, Apple assured the media the app has been “designed with user privacy and security at its core.” All user data will be encrypted and none will be sold or shared for marketing purposes.
The Singapore government is known for its innovative approach to health and technology. Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat told media, “Even as all of us around the world are dealing with the challenges of COVID-19, we must keep investing in our future. And there is no better investment than in our own personal health.”
Improving health outcomes
LumiHealth is available in the App Store for pre-order now, and the two-year program will be offered from late October 2020.
Singapore is a leader in healthcare systems
The city-state was among the first to roll out a contact-tracing app to help combat the coronavirus pandemic this year. It is expanding that effort by distributing tokens that will allow residents to enter selected venues, in an effort that may pave the way for larger gatherings.
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