President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Monday his “dream” is to fully digitalize all government services—especially in the health sector—to ensure faster and more efficient delivery.
“Talaga ang dream ko na lahat ng serbisyo ng gobyerno hangga’t maari, pati payment ng gobyerno … gagawin natin by computer para hindi na mahirapan ang tao. Hindi na kailangan bumiyahi ng kalayo-layo,” President Marcos said during the first episode of the BBM Podcast.
The Chief Executive particularly cited the case of state insurer Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), where he saw around 200 patients lined up to have the agency’s documents processed in a hospital, which took around two hours to finish.
“Digitalization lang ang sagot diyan,“ the Chief Executive said, citing the PhilHealth membership is being expanded.
The President said he was saddened by a survey result about PhilHealth, which showed respondents hoped the government would prioritize addressing the country’s top 10 diseases.
“Alam mo kung bakit ako nalungkot?” the President asked. “Ginagawa na namin—hindi lang alam ng tao. Kagaya ng sinabi mo.”
The President said the government also created “e-gov apps” and expanded internet coverage nationwide.
When asked about other agencies that fund health services, the President said agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office should also go digital. Hence, patients or their families no longer need to leave their homes to receive assistance.
President Marcos said the administration has already started digitalizing PhilHealth’s records; however, many people are still unaware that this has already been done by the government. The President had earlier expressed full support for PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Dr. Edwin Mercado’s plan to go digital.
President Marcos also noted that by making the processes easier and faster, the government would be able to help lower or even fully cover the costs of the public’s health and hospital services, which is now nearing this goal.
“Malapit na tayo doon,” the President said. “Pinaparami na talaga yung binibigyan ng benepisyo. Hindi na pwedeng kinakamay. Kailangan talaga nasa computer na.”
President Marcos also said the government has expanded PhilHealth’s health coverage.
Another service the administration has started is the Bagong Urgent Care Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) centers, a 24-hour health center that addresses the ambulatory medical and surgical care needs of Filipinos.
“Para hindi na kailangan pumunta sa malalaking hospital,” the President also said. | PND
