DOH opens ‘telemedicine’ system in Marinduque

CALAPAN CITY, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) in Region 4B or MIMAROPA launched the first-interactive “telemedicine” system in the country at the newly inaugurated Dr. Damian J. Reyes Provincial Hospital in Boac, Marinduque on Wednesday.

DOH-regional director Eduardo Janairo said the system provides medical consultation and diagnostics through video calls.

“This is a big leap for the healthcare industry because we now have the ability to provide interactive healthcare to patients in far-flung areas through a video call using modern technology and telecommunications,” Janairo said.

He said monitoring a patient’s recovery through mobile technology would reduce the cost of medical care, as it would enable remote prescription verification and drug administration. 

Video or still images of a patient’s body parts needing medical attention are captured and viewed by physicians who will examine and give medical advice or instruction to the health workers assisting the patient. 

The patient’s data or record can also be sent to a physician for diagnosis and follow-up treatment at a scheduled time. 

The telemedicine project is a public-private partnership program of DOH-MIMAROPA with SMC SKY Medical Group in the United States.

Manuel Atienza of SMC Sky Medical Group said the Philippines is the 96th country to adopt telemedicine. The DOH-MIMAROPA provided P10 million for the installation of the satellite equipment.

“A doctor from Manila can virtually hear a patient’s heartbeat from Marinduque.  He can even ask you to cough, inhale or exhale and give you an initial analysis of your health condition,” he said.

Three hospitals will be linked with each other through the telemedicine system. These are the Sta. Cruz District Hospital, Torijos Municipal Hospital and the Dr. Damian Reyes Provincial Hospital, which will serve as the main hub.