Telemedicine Implementation Challenges in Underserved Areas of the Philippines

Abstract

During these difficult times of global pandemic, mobility restrictions and lockdowns were put in place to prevent an outbreak. However, patients with medical needs must deal with regular face-to-face consultations with physicians for their prescriptions and medications. It is important to review the various telemedicine research in the Philippines and abroad and how to formulate a national framework for telemedicine so the program can be implemented in the entire country. As a developing nation and an archipelago, the Philippines needs to work on massive infrastructure project for national broadband and health care facilities. The increase of medical professionals per 1000 of population and prevent them from migrations will help implement such innovation in medical field. A national policy to support the program in terms of funding and its transparency, establishment of processes and standards, and safeguarding digital information should be put in place. The country will need to address these gaps in technology and processes and encourage the population to partake in national health plans and initiatives to increase awareness and engagement of all stakeholders. Keywords— Challenges, Developing Countries, eHealth, Implementation, IoMT, Philippines, Rural, Telehealth, Telemedicine, Underserved