Manila: Solid North Party-list Representative Ching Bernos has introduced a bill in the House of Representatives aimed at creating a regulatory framework for utilizing information and communications technology (ICT) in healthcare.

According to Philippines News Agency, House Bill 3115, known as the Act Establishing the Philippine Electronic Health or eHealth System, seeks to provide the public with effective telehealth services by forming a coordinated and collaborative National eHealth System. This system will be guided by a national policy and strategic network. Bernos emphasized in a statement that the eHealth System and Services bill is crucial for offering a safe, cost-effective, secure, and accessible solution for Filipinos to manage their health needs.

The bill outlines the need for developing and implementing a health sector enterprise architecture. This architecture aims to ensure that data are readily available and accessible, business processes are harmonized, and services and applications are effective and efficient. The measure mandates that the design and development of eHealth services focus on automation and interoperability of various e-health business processes and data services.

Bernos pointed out that telehealth can bridge the gap between patients and medical professionals, particularly in remote areas with limited access to hospitals and specialists. She noted that telehealth allows for consultations, diagnostics, and follow-ups without the need for extensive travel, thereby saving time and money while ensuring healthcare reaches underserved communities.

The proposed eHealth System and Services bill also aims to streamline and address issues related to provision, access, availability, accountability, patient rights, electronic health data, security, and information exchange. Bernos expressed hope that the eHealth Systems bill would be enacted during the 20th Congress.

Previously, the eHealth System and Services bill had passed the third and final reading in the House during the 19th Congress. However, its counterpart measure in the Senate did not advance past committee deliberations. Bernos highlighted the public’s demand for a modern health system and expressed her hope that this proposal will finally become law.