Although health checkups are often mandatory for corporate or institutional employees, some segments of society, including housewives and the self-employed, may not have this option.
In a country where cancer is rife but screening rates are hovering between 20 and 30 percent, according to the National Cancer Center, it's still considered bothersome to book a half-day checkup at a hospital.
To make life easier, a wide range of simplified health examination kits designed to detect diseases including diabetes, cancer and even HIV/AIDS, are cropping up. It is hoped the simplified exams will boost screening rates and thus early detection and more timely recuperation.