Philippines to fast track national telehealth project

Steve Hards

The Philippines’ Congressional Commission on Science Technology and Engineering (Comste), has identified telehealth [as in ‘telemedicine’] as a top national priority for 2011 and is seeking to fast track the implementation of the National Telehealth Project. This was initiated by the University of the Philippines, Manila National Telehealth Center (UPM-NTC), and enables doctors to diagnose patients in rural and far-flung communities remotely. Remote consultations in the Philippines include the use of SMS and MMS services, video conferencing, and email referrals. There are currently ten sites in four provinces, complete with workstations and training centers. In a 34 month period there have 1,389 telehealth referrals from remote doctors. Congress body to fast track national telehealth project. Newsbytes Philippines.