ODIONGAN, Romblon (PIA) — 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, where patients can receive medical care without needing to travel to healthcare facilities.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, DOH MIMAROPA Regional Director Mario S. Baquilod said that far-flung areas like Culion in 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, stressed that the direction of the agency here 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.
She 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 a MOA with Tala Medical Center in 2023 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 have been consulted via telemedicine and referred to the Philippine General Hospital. (PJF/PIA MIMAROPA-Romblon)
