Telemedicine was being introduced and implemented in the Philippines.  The executive department of the government and society regulator saw it as a viable solution in addressing the vicious impact of the Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak.

The Department of Health (DOH) and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) developed a framework to alleviate risks and decongest hospital posed by unnecessary patient.

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III stated that “DOH is maximizing the use of technology to connect the public with medical professionals, allowing them to secure medical advice without leaving their homes”. Consequently, he also added that “even healthcare workers can avail of these services themselves through DOH-recognized telemedicine providers.”

The philippine healthcare industry is officially widening its service and making it easier for patients to seek medical advice while battling the Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis.

Some hospitals and clinics already open their Telemedicine service. Wherein, patients can consult a physician virtually. The service enables doctors to diagnose their patients and prescribe treatments with the use of telecommunications.  But of course, telemedicine is not sufficient when it comes to patients who have serious cases.

The patient-physician relationship must surface with assurance and respect as they both recognize themselves as dependable during a virtual consultation.

As of Saturday, September 12, the DOH reported 4, 899 new COVID-19 cases, or a total of 261, 216 nationwide with 4, 371 deaths.

Several clinics and hospitals focus more on COVID medical concerns, while others accept consultations for patients who have non-COVID related medical concerns. Innovative solutions for the delivery of healthcare services through telecommunication became vital for preventing the spread of the virus in the Philippines.

These are some hospitals and clinics in Metro Manila that currently offer Telemedicine Services:

St. Luke’s Medical Center

St. Luke’s Medical Center extends its help as they offer telemedicine to patients.  Both Global City and Quezon City hospitals will be at its service. Patients can easily book an appointment with their chosen hospital and physician by calling the landline or sending a message via SMS or Viber.

St. Luke also highlighted that Telemedicine is not an option for patients who have serious cases. Consequently, outpatient services are available for urgent cases only.

For more information, refer to St. Luke’s Medical Center’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/StLukesPH/

UP-PGH Pain Clinic

University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital Pain Clinic also added Telemedicine in their service. It is open for patients who have COVID or non-COVID medical concerns. For booking of appointments, you may send them a message via SMS or email. The aforementioned clinic is available from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am-4 pm.

For more information, refer to Philippine General Hospital’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/philippinegeneralhospitalofficial/

Providence Hospital

Providence Hospital’s telemedicine focuses its service to those patients who have COVID mild symptoms such as headache, cough, colds, stomach pain, and muscle pain. But of course, Telemedicine is not adequate for those who have serious cases.

To book an appointment with Providence Hospital, patients must download Viber and make an account. Consultation payment is through BPI or BDO.

For more information, refer to Providence Hospital’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/providencehospitalPH/

The Medical City

The Medical City offers virtual consultation where patients can be at the comfort of their homes while consulting their medical concerns. The aforementioned hospital also practiced a safer precaution in today’s ‘new normal’ situation.

Patients may book an appointment via email, over the phone, or through TMC’s official Facebook page between 8 am to 5 pm (Monday-Saturday).

For more information, refer to The Medical City’s official website or Facebook page. https://themedicalcity.com/  https://www.facebook.com/TheMedicalCity/

Makati Medical Center

Makati Medical Center (MMC) is accepting patients through telemedicine as it is considered now a “new normal” kind of consultation that minimizes the risks of getting the disease as we still battle the Coronavirus disease outbreak.

Please remember that you have to book an appointment first to the secretary of your physician. The Makati Medical Center requires patients to download and register to PayMaya because this app will help them settle the fee. Virtual consultation in The Makati Medical Center is via Zoom.

For more information, refer to Makati Medical Center’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/IamMakatiMed/

MyHealth Clinic

While the Philippines is being hard-hit by the Coronavirus disease, MyHealth Clinic helps the patients ask their medical concerns at the comfort of their home by offering Telemedicine.

To book an appointment, you just have to visit their official website and go to the “Products” tab, then click on “Online Consultations”. After that, wait for the confirmation link and URL to access your online consultation room.

For more information, refer to MyHealth Clinic’s official website or Facebook page: https://www.myhealth.ph/

Asian Hospital

Another hospital in Metro Manila has opened the door for a virtual consultation with its new set of guidelines in order to secure the safety of patients. Telemedicine is accessible from Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm.

For more information, refer to Asian Hospital’s official website or Facebook page: https://asianhospital.com/

There are nine (9) names that have come to light as health technology key players in the Philippines. These names serve as telehealth platforms used in conducting a secure and online medical consultation between physicians and patients. These telehealth platforms are Medifi, KonsultaMD, Zennya, MariaHealth, Arooga Health, MedCheck, MedGrocer, Stash.PH and Aide. With these platforms, a patient that needs consultation can easily book an appointment. Those patients who need to seek medical advice with a doctor for COVID-19 medical and non-COVID-19 health-related concerns may call (02) 8424-1724 for free.

Telemedicine as the “new normal” consultation brings convenience, efficiency, and safety to the physicians and patients as this approach also supports the implementation of community quarantine in the Philippines.  A new normal approach that compromises patients’ health as it is a priority than ever.