Tech-Based Healthcare System for All
Published Sep 7, 2019 12:00 am
Undoubtedly, the cost of healthcare continues to rise. As illnesses and other medical conditions evolve, so too are its means to prevent, modify and treat them. Technology plays a big part in the healthcare system. Although it continues to change and improve our lives; unfortunately, when it comes to healthcare, it comes with a price.
According to DOH (Department of Health), health care is provided by government hospitals, private hospitals and primary health care facilities that are classified according to ownership. In our country, 40% of hospitals are public and while it is good to know that all Filipinos are entitled to free health care through PhilHealth (The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation), private health care is a bit costly. All medical facilities are provided with well-trained doctors; however, most patients say that the difference lies in the technology and medical equipment used. Obviously, private hospitals have the advantage. Their services are of higher standards; albeit rather expensive.
(PHOTO/ ALVIN KASIBAN)
"Efficient and advanced medical care should be made available to all - rich or poor, near or far", says Mr. Clement Chen, Director of Taiwan Trade Center, Manila. At present, Taiwan is ranked 3rd in the world and 1st in Asia for its medical technology. Having been included in the Top 10 list for medical tourism destination, Taiwan boasts of its advanced medical care, high-quality medical products and high-precision instruments that are best in the world. A wide-range of medical procedures are offered using the most advanced medical equipment and exemplary healthcare professionals at affordable costs. According to Mr. Chen, the citizens of Taiwan enjoy equal medical care through its National Health Insurance. "Whether you are rich or poor, you get equal care and that includes medicine. All hospitals in Taiwan embrace this culture." added Mr. Chen.
When asked what makes medical treatment in Taiwan so attractive to foreign patients, he answered, "Patients from other countries come to us because of our advanced health care technology with prices that are very competitive to other western countries." Treatment in Taiwan costs typically only one-fifth of similar treatment in Europe and the United States. In addition to high quality, yet affordable medical services, its accessibility and proximity to other Asian countries further reduces overall expenses. In addition, Taiwan also offers top of the line training programs in numerous hospitals making it more attractive to medical practitioners and medical students from other countries as well.
In the hopes of building closer collaboration with the Philippines with regards to the medical field, TAITRA (Taiwan External Trade Development Council) is inviting those who are concerned and interested to a seminar on September 10 at the Centennial Hall of The Manila Hotel. The seminar will showcase topics on state-of-the-art treatment for Complex Congenital Heart Disease, HIFU Procedure, Precision Medicine based on genetic technology, multi-bipolar RF ablation for hepatic tumors, etc. The seminar will be participated by the top hospitals in Taiwan. Eight medical service providers will share their expertise on how to bring a total solution in healthcare. Mr. Chen further explained, “Total solution in healthcare system in Taiwan focuses on 3 things: Hardware, Software and Environment. There is a need to provide the medical care and we have state-of-the-art equipment. This is the hardware. Software consists of patient management – from physical examination, treatment and up to patient’s discharge – we provide a very comfortable environment. We make sure patients are comfortable. All clinic staffs are well versed and are English speaking.”
Even with all their accomplishments in the medical field, when it comes to technology, Taiwan will never be complacent. Sir William Jones once said, “Never neglect an opportunity for improvement”; and so to further improve on what they have in terms of technology in the medical field, Taiwan relies on the use of big data. Presently, the government is trying to consolidate all data from all hospitals so that all medical facilities (even in the remote areas of the country) will have easier access to information and medical services – something the Philippines should also improve on to further upgrade medical services not only in the major cities; but on remote areas as well.
(PHOTO/ ALVIN KASIBAN)
"Efficient and advanced medical care should be made available to all - rich or poor, near or far", says Mr. Clement Chen, Director of Taiwan Trade Center, Manila. At present, Taiwan is ranked 3rd in the world and 1st in Asia for its medical technology. Having been included in the Top 10 list for medical tourism destination, Taiwan boasts of its advanced medical care, high-quality medical products and high-precision instruments that are best in the world. A wide-range of medical procedures are offered using the most advanced medical equipment and exemplary healthcare professionals at affordable costs. According to Mr. Chen, the citizens of Taiwan enjoy equal medical care through its National Health Insurance. "Whether you are rich or poor, you get equal care and that includes medicine. All hospitals in Taiwan embrace this culture." added Mr. Chen.
When asked what makes medical treatment in Taiwan so attractive to foreign patients, he answered, "Patients from other countries come to us because of our advanced health care technology with prices that are very competitive to other western countries." Treatment in Taiwan costs typically only one-fifth of similar treatment in Europe and the United States. In addition to high quality, yet affordable medical services, its accessibility and proximity to other Asian countries further reduces overall expenses. In addition, Taiwan also offers top of the line training programs in numerous hospitals making it more attractive to medical practitioners and medical students from other countries as well.
In the hopes of building closer collaboration with the Philippines with regards to the medical field, TAITRA (Taiwan External Trade Development Council) is inviting those who are concerned and interested to a seminar on September 10 at the Centennial Hall of The Manila Hotel. The seminar will showcase topics on state-of-the-art treatment for Complex Congenital Heart Disease, HIFU Procedure, Precision Medicine based on genetic technology, multi-bipolar RF ablation for hepatic tumors, etc. The seminar will be participated by the top hospitals in Taiwan. Eight medical service providers will share their expertise on how to bring a total solution in healthcare. Mr. Chen further explained, “Total solution in healthcare system in Taiwan focuses on 3 things: Hardware, Software and Environment. There is a need to provide the medical care and we have state-of-the-art equipment. This is the hardware. Software consists of patient management – from physical examination, treatment and up to patient’s discharge – we provide a very comfortable environment. We make sure patients are comfortable. All clinic staffs are well versed and are English speaking.”
Even with all their accomplishments in the medical field, when it comes to technology, Taiwan will never be complacent. Sir William Jones once said, “Never neglect an opportunity for improvement”; and so to further improve on what they have in terms of technology in the medical field, Taiwan relies on the use of big data. Presently, the government is trying to consolidate all data from all hospitals so that all medical facilities (even in the remote areas of the country) will have easier access to information and medical services – something the Philippines should also improve on to further upgrade medical services not only in the major cities; but on remote areas as well.