Jim was an elderly patient suffering from emphysema. He lived some distance from the nearest hospital and couldn’t easily see a doctor, and he was rushed to the hospital once or twice a month when symptoms of his chronic lung condition flared up, putting a heavy strain on him and his family. Then Jim’s life was transformed: He became the beneficiary of a revolutionary approach to healthcare, and he could be tested and his condition monitored without ever having to go to a hospital.
This was in America. A health provider Mercy Health put Jim on a new “virtual care” program, and care was brought directly to his bedside at home. Mercy used remote technology to carry out tests, monitor Jim and make sure any worrying signs were responded to before they became an emergency.
This article from Bloomberg confirms digital is where hope lies. They call it “hospital without beds”. It is a revolutionary approach to healthcare that allows a patient to be tested and his condition monitored without ever having to go to a hospital.
But for Filipinos and Filipino Doctors, are we ready for this?
The enactment of the new law on Universal Health Care however, brings attention to the practice of medicine in this country and what is wrong with it. The provision of emergency health services in our tourist resorts is also starting to get our attention with the advent of viral Doctor-Shaming-Vloggers lurking around.
Last January 2019, The House Committee on Health approved a substitute bill that seeks to establish the National eHealth Systems and Services to deliver health services through cost-effective and secure information and communications technology (ICT).
Using technology to deliver healthcare to those currently deprived of the benefits of modern medicine is the objective of a bill approved by the House Committee on Health led by Rep. Angelina Tan, a doctor herself.
The proposed bill seeks to establish the National eHealth Systems and Services that will deliver health services through cost-effective and secure information and communications technology (ICT).
The bill seeks to utilize ICT to improve quality of healthcare delivery, change the conditions of practice, and improve access to healthcare, especially in rural and other medically underserved areas.
Yes, we have a long way to go, but it is encouraging to note that our legislators are getting the idea of using technology to improve the healthcare of all Filipinos.
For your Financial Health,
Sources:
https://www.philstar.com/business
Bloomberg
http://dzrhnews.com.ph/house-approves-bill-on-national-ehealth-system-and-services/
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