Faced with the increase in prolonged absenteeism among young workers, AG is introducing a new prevention system, reports the insurer in a press release published Monday. Called “AG Health Check”, this at-home medical test, developed in collaboration with Easly, aims to detect early risks of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or even kidney problems. Is the insurer not crossing the red line of medical confidentiality?
Intended for employees aged 25 to 35, this kit, entirely financed by AG, relies on a finger prick to take a blood sample. The results are available within 48 hours via a secure portal, guaranteeing, according to AG, confidentiality and respect for private life.
“The test is very easy to carry out,” explains Jeroen de Jong, CEO of Easy. “Employees can take the blood sample themselves at home, with a simple finger prick. Within two days of receiving the envelope with the sample, the results are available via the secure portal and the Easly app. Confidentiality and protection of privacy are of course paramount. »
The test results and possible medical problems are then discussed confidentially with AG’s medical department, only if the employee wishes.
Reach a target that is difficult to mobilize
AG is thus expanding its prevention initiatives traditionally focused on groups at higher risk, in particular employees over 45 years of age. According to Jan Heyvaert, Chief HR & Sustainability Officer at AG, this approach reflects the company’s desire to promote well-being at work: “This innovative project is in line with our philosophy of kindness. It allows young employees, who are often less inclined to monitor their health, to easily check if they are at medical risk. »
The objective is to reach a public often less affected by internal medical initiatives, but which is experiencing a notable increase in prolonged absences. With this device, AG hopes to detect health problems at an early stage and thus strengthen prevention.
-Towards an extension into other companies
AG does not intend to stop there. After the success of the “AG Health Check” with its own teams, the insurer plans to offer this solution to other Belgian employers. As the country’s leading health insurer, AG already supports 280,000 companies in their health and prevention policies.
Unresolved ethical questions
If this project is innovative in corporate health prevention, it also raises ethical questions. Although confidentiality and protection of privacy are emphasized by AG and Easly, the role of the internal medical service in processing the results may raise questions. The employer-employee relationship must imperatively preserve the fundamental principle of medical confidentiality.
This test, if deployed more widely, must guarantee that this medical data is only used for strictly personal purposes, without direct or indirect influence on professional relationships.
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