AdminIn a landmark move to extend healthcare protection to Malaysia’s growing gig-based care workforce, Kiddocare and HeyDoc Health have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide affordable and continuous healthcare subscription plans to carers and babysitters in Kiddocare’s network.
The partnership, formalised at the Selangor International Care Summit 2025, represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration between a caregiving platform and a digital healthcare provider. It aims to fill a critical protection gap among independent carers who often lack access to traditional employment benefits.
Empowering Malaysia’s care workforce
Malaysia’s care economy is valued at over RM379 billion, accounting for nearly one-fifth of the national services sector (ISIS Malaysia, 2024). Yet, over 3.2 million Malaysians—98% of them women—remain outside the workforce due to caregiving duties. Compounding this, more than half of gig workers in Malaysia lack healthcare insurance, according to a joint study by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Centre Malaysia (2023).
Through this partnership, Kiddocare carers will gain access to HeyDoc Health’s FutureK platform, a subscription-based service offering unlimited teleconsultations with licensed doctors, inclusive acute medications, preventive health programmes, nationwide panel referrals, pharmacy access, and preferential rates for family members.
The healthcare subscription will roll out in 2025 for active Kiddocare carers, with family extension plans scheduled for 2026.
“Our carers form the backbone of Malaysia’s care economy, yet many remain without the healthcare protection they deserve,” said Nadira Yusoff, Chief Executive Officer of Kiddocare. “By working with HeyDoc Health, we are not only safeguarding their wellbeing but also empowering more women to join and stay in the workforce with peace of mind.”
Aligning with national care economy reforms
The Kiddocare–HeyDoc Health partnership closely aligns with government measures under Budget 2026, which prioritises the development of the care economy and improved social protection for gig workers.
Among the key allocations are RM5 million for care worker training programmes and enhanced protection mechanisms under the i-Saraan Plus scheme, which offers matching EPF contributions and social security coverage for self-employed individuals.
These initiatives, coupled with private-sector collaborations like this MOU, mark a shift toward formalising Malaysia’s care economy, strengthening financial resilience, and enabling greater participation of women in the workforce.
By bridging gaps in healthcare access and social protection, the initiative supports Malaysia’s broader goals of building a more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready care workforce.
Digital healthcare for the gig economy
HeyDoc Health’s FutureK platform was developed to meet the unique healthcare needs of gig workers, freelancers, and independent professionals—groups often excluded from traditional healthcare schemes.
“FutureK was designed to address the healthcare needs of gig workers, freelancers, and everyday Malaysians who often fall through the cracks of traditional healthcare subscription plans,” said Dr. Raymond Choy, Chief Executive Officer of HeyDoc Health. “Through this collaboration with Kiddocare, we are proud to extend our services to the carers who play such an important role in our communities, ensuring they have access to quality, affordable and continuous care.”
By introducing accessible healthcare to gig carers, both organisations reaffirm their commitment to closing protection gaps, enhancing wellbeing, and strengthening the foundation of Malaysia’s care economy—one that is increasingly recognised as vital to the nation’s social and economic resilience.
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