Representatives from the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) met with Hinoba-an Mayor Daph Anthony Reliquias and Candoni Mayor Ray Ruiz Aug. 8, to discuss the potential of the OPD Telekonek Program in their municipalities.
This is part of the continued effort of the hospital to expand access to specialized healthcare services in far-flung areas.
The meeting also aimed to strengthen partnerships with local government units in support of CLMMRH’s mandate as the apex hospital of the Negros Island Region.
The OPD Telekonek initiative allows patients in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) to consult with hospital specialists via telecommunication platforms, thereby improving accessibility, reducing travel burdens, and promoting continuity of care.
It is also seen as a significant step toward bridging healthcare gaps in remote municipalities, like Hinoba-an and Candoni.
Both Reliquias and Ruiz expressed optimism and support for the initiative, seeing it as a vital advancement in improving health outcomes and empowering their local health systems through digital innovation, the CLMMRH said in a post.
Dr. Manuel Gayoles, head of the Multi-Sectoral Governance Council (MSGC); Dr. Celestelyn Villarosa, OPD manager; Dr. Josh Vargas of the Public Health Unit; and John Michael Gabriel Zaragoza, head of the Integrated Hospital Operations Management Section (IHOMS), were also present during the meeting.
Among those discussed were the technical readiness and the LGUs’ support in ensuring the successful implementation of the initiative, the hospital said. ||
