THE Provincial Government of Negros Occidental has launched the "Digitizing Health and Emergency Management" initiative, which aims to effectively and efficiently deliver health and emergency services to Negrenses utilizing an advanced platform accessible to the public.
The program consists of integration of three services of the provincial government, including the Negros Occidental Emergency 911, One Hospital Command, and Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program (NOCHP).
Digitizing health and emergency management means delivering efficient management and response to emergency and health services, upgrading patient referral system, and improving coordination with emergency responders and hospital management.
Provincial Administrator lawyer Rayfrando Diaz II said the new digitized system initiated by the provincial government complements all its health services.
The Negros Occidental E911 was established in line with Executive Order 56 Series of 2018 of the national government.
With E911, the public can now ask for assistance or report any emergency anywhere in the province, he said.
Initially, there are 18 telecommunicators covering a 24/7 shift in the established 911 Call Center Station, which is under the management of the Provincial Disaster Management Program Division.
The One Hospital Command is managed by the Negros Occidental Hospital Operations Department.
It serves as the center of communications for hospital referrals and patient transport. It will also enhance the use of critical care services of every hospital in the province.
The NOCHP is another priority program of the provincial government that seeks to provide comprehensive health care to Negrenses, especially the marginalized sector.
Cardholders and their qualified dependents are entitled to free out-patient consultation, medical assistance and other services in participating government hospitals.
It utilizes QR codes for ease of use.
The Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center (NOLITC) in collaboration with the Negros Occidental Information and Communication Technology Division (ICTD) is developing the mobile application and website development for the said services for easy access to the public.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who led the launching at the Provincial Capitol Building in Bacolod City last week, thanked the mayors and other stakeholders for supporting the program.
Lacson urged the public to make the dissemination of the development widespread, as Negrenses need to know that in times of emergency help is just a call away.
"Covid-19 changed the world and we are called to change accordingly, to act and adapt according to the necessity of the situation," he said, adding that "we are taking not just a step but a stride in handling this crisis in an adept and consummate manner with all the knowledge and resources available and that includes technology."
The activity attended by other officials in the province, meanwhile, was also part of the observance of the 2021 National Disaster Resilience Month this July. (PR)