PHILIPPINES MAKING ITS WAY TO AN INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE THROUGH TELEMEDICINE
By: Rhieven Soje A. Columna (Team Octagon)

During the phase of pandemic, it widely affect the healthcare system. This is where innovative technologies become the stepping stone for healthcare provider and caregivers to respond with the needs of people. As Telemedicine emerges in the context of Covid-19 in the Philippines, it would be an effective and sustainable solution for Filipino people to access healthcare services without the fear of transmitting the virus. Thus, Doctor Anywhere and Equicom Group become a bridging gap for patient, physician, and healthcare sectors in transforming the way people access to healthcare in the Philippines.
Regional telehealth platform Doctor Anywhere (DA) and Philippine conglomerate Equicom Group set forth a telemedicine platform in the Philippines and develop comprehensive digital healthcare ecosystem which includes key features like on-demand virtual consultations with healthcare providers and chronic care services. This telemedicine platform prevents long waiting hours, consult with a licensed doctor in 5 minutes, and deliver a medication right away to avert a delay in treatment. This platform does not limit its inclusion but go beyond to support and offer mental health counselling with trained counsellors and therapists.
"The pandemic has brought to light the importance and usefulness of telehealth services, especially in the areas of chronic care and mental health support. We are proud to join forces with Equicom Group, combining our proven experience in launching digital healthcare solutions in Southeast Asia, with their unparalleled market insights and network in the country. By forming this joint venture, we hope to improve the access to quality healthcare services in the Philippines, to bring reliable and convenient healthcare directly to the public through their mobile devices.”

As this public health crisis continue to escalate, telemedicine is a game-changer and is quickly recognized as a critical tool in minimizing infected individuals out of hospitals thus, preventing the risk for healthcare providers and other patients including immunocompromised from transmitting the virus. The launch of this app will not only benefit those who were in private sector hospitals but the services will extend up to the general public which means that everyone had an equal chances to get health services and offer free of charge doctor’s consultation as well as obtaining medicine prescriptions. The surge of telemedicine now is making a positive contribution that may further benefit the healthcare from being burnout and overwhelmed during the pandemic

