CANCINO, CHRISTINE MHARIE S.
BK5: GROW AND INNOVATE!
The growing and aging population is the primary reason for the high demand for healthcare. As our population and economy grow, many people are starting to pay attention to their health. In January 2024, the Department of Health was given P241.1 billion and P243 billion for PhilHealth (Senate of the Philippines, 2024). Despite this, the lack of healthcare personnel, outdated technology, and the accessibility of quality and affordable healthcare, remain a persistent challenge for many citizens.
The issue of inequity persists particularly in rural and remote areas where healthcare remains out of reach. The lack of an integrated health network worsens economic and geographical barriers, affecting the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. Healthcare innovations like telemedicine platforms and mobile health applications have the potential to bridge this gap. We can serve and provide clinical healthcare from a distance through telecommunication and information technology wherein healthcare professionals can communicate with patients through video calls and healthcare services such as monitoring, consulting, and diagnosis can extend to underserved populations.
Moreover, the Philippines faces challenges related to fragmented healthcare systems and inefficient health information management. We still use the traditional paper-based record-keeping systems that are more prone to errors, time-consuming, and impeding to care coordination. We should consider investing in digital documentation such as electronic health records (EHRs), health information exchanges (HIEs), and interoperable data platforms. With this innovation, we can protect information sharing and improve care continuity and patient outcomes.
Technological advances in other countries have been happening for a long time, and the innovations that I mentioned were already affordable and easily available. The Philippines must catch up and not overlook healthcare. By embracing innovative solutions, we can improve healthcare access, quality, and efficiency. Healthcare innovation must be a top priority we are at our best when given proper healthcare and without us, there is no economy. It is time to put pressure on the government and the healthcare sector to change the state of Philippine healthcare.
References:
Philippine Information Agency. (2024, March 5). Increase in contribution rate means more benefits for members - PhilHealth. Retrieved from https://pia.gov.ph/news/2024/03/05/increase-in-contribution-rate-means-more-benefits-for-members-philhealth
Senate of the Philippines. (2024, January 8). 2024 General Appropriations Act signed into law; includes funds for implementation of landmark laws. Retrieved from https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2024/0108_go2.asp