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| Department of Health (DOH) MIMAROPA Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo led the soft launching of the first-interactive telemedicine system in the country. Photo Credit: Joven Malabana Lilles |
Marinduque can soon be one of the Philippines’ centers for telemedicine after the Department of Health opened its modern facility in Boac.
DOH Mimaropa Director Eduardo Janairo on Wednesday led the soft launching of the first interactive telemedicine system at the Dr. Damian J. Reyes Provincial Hospital.
“This is a big leap for the health care industry because we now have the ability to provide interactive healthcare to patients in far-flung areas through a video call using modern technology and telecommunications,” state-run Philippines News Agency quoted Janairo as saying.
He added medical examinations can now be done through a live video conversation.
Initially, three hospitals will be linked through the telemedicine system. These are the Sta. Cruz District Hospital, Torijos Municipal Hospital and the Dr. Damian Reyes Provincial Hospital, which will be the hub.
Janairo said monitoring a patient’s recovery through mobile technology may eventually reduce outpatient visits and enable remote prescription verification and drug administration.
This in turn will reduce the cost of medical care for the patient, he added.
If telemedicine succeeds in Marinduque, he said, it can be replicated nationwide.
Janairo also cited the effectiveness of the RxBox and Quantum Magnetic Resonance Analyzer (QMRA) in the remote diagnosis and evaluation of patients needing immediate treatment in distant communities.
The PNA said the new technology allows patients to receive treatment and care from doctors without visiting the health facility.
DOH-Mimaropa provided P10 million for the satellite equipment the system will use.
For its part, the Marinduque local government will provide the wages of existing health care workers and membership payment to PhilHealth for non-member residents.