e-Health Center for Overseas Filipino Workers in Hong Kong

The present paper proposes to establish an e-health center in Hong Kong. This can be thought of as a high-tech equivalent of a rural health center in the Philippines and can be done in partnership with the National Telehealth Center.

One service that can be offered is Teleconsultation. Non-emergency, out-patient medical consultations between ailing OFWs in Hong Kong and specialists in the Philippines can be facilitated. Or it may be that OFWs are already being attended to by Hong Kong physicians but the latter wish to consult counterparts in the Philippines for more localized and culture-sensitive approach to management. In this latter case, telementoring sessions can be arranged between the doctors in Hong Kong and in the Philippines. Another service is Teleradiology. Plates of X-rays, CT scans and MRI taken in diagnostic centers in Hong Kong can be transmitted online for reading by radiologists in the Philippines. Yet another service is Telepathology / Telemicroscopy. Pathology and microscopy specimens taken in medical clinics and diagnostic centers in Hong Kong can be transmitted online for examination by pathologists in the Philippines. Finally, Tele-ECG can be offered in which tracings of electrocardiograph done right in the e-health center is transmitted online for interpretation by internists in the Philippines.

Since the business's aim is consistent with the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency's own goal of protecting the wellbeing of OFWs, support of this government agency will be solicited in promoting patronage of the e-health center by OFWs. Also, special arrangements can be made with clinics and diagnostic centers in Hong Kong for the proper transmittal to the e-health center of radiographic plates and prepared slides of pathology and microscopy specimens. A likely scenario is for OFWs to be given the option to have their radiographic plates and pathology / microscopy slides read by Philippine specialists through the e-health center. The POEA can broker the appropriate bilateral agreement between the Philippine and Hong Kong governments to mandate this arrangement.

The positioning is medical service for overseas Filipino workers that is less costly yet with a Filipino touch.

I am a health professional with years of experience in health planning and program / project management efforts. Presently, I help develop and coordinate various e-health projects in their different phases of management cycle at the National Telehealth Center. I also conduct e-health-related research.

Inequitable access to health care is a prevailing problem for Filipinos not only within the Philippines but also outside. Given the higher standard of living in many popular destinations for overseas Filipino workers (OFW), and its consequent prohibitive cost of basic services, including medical services, it comes as no surprise that at least some OFWs choose to come home when in need of medical attention. The ensuing drain in their finances and loss of productivity, regardless of where they eventually obtain medical attention, combine to diminish their net income. Compounding the situation is the heavy dependence of our country’s economy on dollar remittances of OFWs. All these factors contribute ultimately to poverty in the country.

E-health, the delivery of health services utilizing information and communications technology and the internet, can allow OFWs to access less expensive medical services in the Philippines while abroad. It has the potential, therefore, to mitigate the cost of medical care for them in terms of actual cash out and, especially for those who choose to come home to the Philippines to seek medical care, lost opportunity.