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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Department Of Information And Communications Technology) |
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) joined hands with Huawei Technologies Philippines Inc. and mWell by Metro Pacific Investments Corporation for the launch of a digital healthcare platform to spearhead a transformative healthcare initiative on Sacol Island, Zamboanga. Being a geographically isolated island, residents of Sacol faced significant challenges in accessing essential healthcare services due to prolonged boat and land travel to the nearest city. Recognizing the plight of residents, DICT, in partnership with Huawei and mWell, introduced ‘mWell On The Go', a groundbreaking portable digital clinic.
The initiative, aligned with DICT’s Smart Village program, aimed to bridge the gap in healthcare access. The platform provides health services like teleconsultation, reading of lab results, prescription of medicine, and diagnosis, ensuring round-the-clock access to medical professionals. It is a portable clinic available 24×7 with just a swipe and click using the Huawei Tablet and internet service provided to the health center. “We are grateful to Huawei and mWell for responding to our request to make available much needed telemedicine services to Sacol. This island of 4 barangays and 12,000 people now has access to medical experts from all over the country," said DICT Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa M. Camba.
Through this collaboration, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, Huawei Philippines and mWell have demonstrated their commitment to leveraging technology for social good and empowering communities. The initiative showcased the transformative potential of advanced digital solutions in addressing fundamental healthcare challenges faced by remote communities. The Telemedicine launch event also witnessed active participation from Sacol Community Local Government Officials, DOH-LGU midwives, mWell representatives, technology experts, and military personnel. Their collective engagement underscored the shared commitment towards advancing healthcare accessibility and technological inclusivity in Sacol Island.
Huawei Philippines Vice President for Public Affairs William Hu said that the telecommunications brand remains dedicated to driving positive change through technology and continues to support initiatives that contribute to the digital transformation of communities and support the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDG) #3: Good Health and Well-being and #9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
