CANCINO, CHRISTINE MHARIE S.
BK5: GROW AND INNOVATE!
The demand for healthcare is primarily driven by a growing and aging population. As our population and economy grow, people are starting to spend more on healthcare. In January 2024, the Department of Health has been given a P241.1 billion and P243 billion for PhilHealth (Senate of the Philippines, 2024). Yet, access to quality and affordable healthcare, along with a lack of healthcare personnel and outdated technology, remains a daily challenge to most of our citizens.
The problem of inequity still exists as healthcare remains out of reach for many people in rural and remote areas. The absence of an integrated health network can have a negative impact on economic and geographic access, as well as on the quality and efficiency of health services. Healthcare innovations like telemedicine platforms and mobile health applications have the potential to bridge this gap. We can use telecommunication and information technology to serve and provide clinical healthcare from a distance 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 impediments 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.
On the other side of the world, technological advances are already happening at exponential levels, and the innovations that I mentioned were 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 because there is no economy without people, and people are at their best when given proper healthcare. 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