Healthcare at the Digital Age

Wazzup Pilipinas!

2016 has been a year of adjustment and growth for the country’s healthcare industry. Developments such as the implementation of a universal health coverage through PhilHealth, the strengthened execution of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RP-RH) Law, the promotion of mental health education and assistance, and the government’s recent plan to distribute free medicine worth PHP2 billion to marginalized Filipino families show that the Philippines’ health sector is ripe for disruption especially with more focused government spending and investments on the digitization of healthcare.

For a long time, there has been a high demand for treatment and a low supply of accessible and affordable hospitals, equipment, and doctors. In fact, the ratio of rural doctors to the number of patients accommodated is 3 is to 100,000, while there are 7 city doctors for every 100,000 patients. On an average, it takes close to an hour or two for families to reach health facilities. Public hospital patients have to deal with overcrowding, while bearing with the pains of recovery. Even with the presence of medical programs and infrastructures for public use, majority of Filipinos still shell out money for medicine and other fees, which is why many forgo consultations and opt for self-medication.

The Department of Health (DOH) acknowledges that there is a clear disparity between the quality of service received by those who can afford medical aid and those who cannot. In its Philippine Health Agenda, DOH unveiled its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for years 2016 to 2022. These include financial protection and lower healthcare costs, quality medical services both in private and public infrastructures, and a responsive health system.

One of DOH’s many initiatives to achieve its SDGs is an eHealth Strategic Framework, which aims to integrate Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) with healthcare. This allows medical facilities to streamline information systems, make use of electronic medical records, process online submission and receipt of clinical results, automate operations and business processes, and create fast access to data and research for healthcare workers. For instance, Telemedicine—the use of ICT to connect with patients for immediate treatment—is quickly gaining popularity, especially in the Philippines where many areas are still in great need of accessible healthcare.

Globe Business, SCMAP Partner to Forward PH Supply Chain Industry

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The rise of the internet has definitely pushed businesses to respond quickly to market demands. It is not only crucial that enterprises give customers what they want, but also ensure that their supply chains are running smoothly and efficiently. To discuss the future of the supply chain industry, Globe Business, the information and communication technology (ICT) arm of Globe Telecom, held a Supply Chain Interactive Workshop for executives from various retail, manufacturing, and logistics companies.

The goal for the workshop was to promote sustainable practices of improving supply chain management with Globe spearheading the Code of Conduct for suppliers.

What made the workshop different from other forums was that it enabled over a hundred guests to not only participate as an audience, but also to discuss the pain points and intended improvements on the supply chain industry. Participants were also able to witness the synergy of their industries through various group activities. The speakers tied up these activities with product solutions from Globe Business, putting emphasis on how these can help supply chains all over the country.

“Globe Business always makes it a point to provide enterprises with up-to-date technology that will ease the flow of operations. In turn, businesses can focus more on their customers. The point of this workshop is to facilitate an exchange of ideas, which will help us understand what your supply chains need and enable us to offer you the best solutions,” said Mike Frausing, Globe Senior Advisor for Enterprise and IT-Enabled Services Group.

Energy Sector Pushes “Bayanihan” for Quick Restoration of Power in Town Centers and Nearby Communities by New Year

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As Typhoon Nina exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the entire energy sector, spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE), has mobilized various assets for the quick restoration of power facilities in Southern Luzon and parts of Visayas downed by superTyphoon Nina.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi instructed immediate restoration of power facilities using “bayanihan” or Task Force Kapatid in the typhoon-hit area as the priority of DOE and the energy family.

“The DOE commits to mobilize as many technical personnel and transport the necessary equipment and facilities to attain 100% energization of main commercial areas with hospitals, vital government offices, banks and other necessary communal facilities before New Year,” emphasized Sec. Cusi.

He added that priority towns include: Daet in Camarines Norte; Naga City, Goa, Tinambac, Iriga City, Libmanan in Camarines Sur; Ligao City, Legazpi City and Tabaco City in Albay; Sorsogon City in Sorsogon; Boac in Marinduque; and, Calapan in Mindoro Oriental.