The Department of Health (DOH) MIMAROPA is actively promoting telemedicine in the region to address the healthcare needs of residents in remote areas who have limited access to specialists.
Telemedicine involves the use of telecommunications technology to provide healthcare services remotely. This can include video consultations wherein patients can receive medical care without needing to travel to healthcare facilities.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, DOH MIMAROPA Regional Director Dr. Mario Baquilod said that far-flung areas like Culion, Palawan already use such technology.
He added that the local government unit asked the National Children's Hospital to provide online consultations with specialists for its residents.
Paulene Yap, DOH Mimaropa Development Program Manager, added that the direction of DOH Mimaropa is towards utilizing technology to overcome geographical challenges, especially since the region comprises several islands.
“The direction of DOH Mimaropa is the use of technology because our islands are separated by bodies of water. Even before the pandemic, there were already initiatives in telemedicine. To inform everyone, there are very few specialists here in Mimaropa,” Yap explained.
Yap said that all provinces in Mimaropa have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with partner hospitals, and these telemedicine services in every province of the region are already operational.
In Romblon, the Provincial Government signed into an MOA with Tala Medical Center last year to provide services via telemedicine to Romblomanons. Telemedicine is being offered at Romblon Provincial Hospital in Odiongan and Romblon District Hospital in Romblon, Romblon.
Meanwhile, in Oriental Mindoro, the DOH Mimaropa reported that through the provincial government's newborn screening continuity clinic, approximately 192 patients had been consulted via telemedicine and referred to the Philippine General Hospital.
