Makati City in the Philippines has made history by becoming the first city in the country to launch a groundbreaking round-the-clock digital healthcare system. According to a recent news report by the Philippine Information Agency, the city has successfully integrated virtual appointments, telehealth consultations, diagnostics, and EMRs into a single network, revolutionizing the way medical care is delivered to its residents.
Mayor Abigail Binay-Campos expressed her pride in the city’s achievement, stating, “We didn’t just digitize healthcare; we’ve changed how an entire city experiences medical care.” This digital health system is powered by a state-of-the-art health information management system that connects all health facilities, synchronizing EMRs, laboratory results, and health data seamlessly across different sources.
Residents of Makati City now have the convenience of booking hospital or clinic appointments at any time of the day through the city’s virtual queuing management system. Additionally, 24/7 telehealth access is provided through a partnership with KonsultaMD, offering residents easy access to healthcare services from the comfort of their homes.
Furthermore, the city’s health system offers access to AI-powered cancer screening through Makati Life Medical Center, door-to-door medicine delivery services, and specialist teleconsultations, ensuring that residents receive comprehensive and efficient healthcare services.
It is commendable to note that the city government has allocated a substantial budget of P3.47 billion ($61 million) over the past eight years towards healthcare digital infrastructure and services, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving the health and well-being of its residents.
In a larger context, the digital transformation of healthcare services is a growing trend in the Philippines. Other regions, such as Camiguin province, have also implemented digital health records systems to enhance healthcare delivery. The push towards digitalization of essential services, including healthcare, was emphasized by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with initiatives like the ePhilHealth platform launched by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.
While the adoption of digital technologies in public healthcare is gaining momentum, challenges such as the lack of internet connectivity and electricity in rural and remote communities persist. Health Department Secretary Teodoro Herbosa highlighted these challenges, noting that the Philippines still has a way to go in achieving full internet coverage and electricity access for all households.
Despite these challenges, the Philippines is making significant strides towards digitalizing its healthcare services, with both public and private healthcare institutions embracing technology to enhance patient care and improve healthcare outcomes. As the country continues to invest in digital infrastructure and services, the future of healthcare in the Philippines looks promising, with increased access to quality healthcare services for all residents.
