Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson recently led the launching of the Digitizing Health and Emergency Management initiative at the provincial capitol, 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 that include 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 systems, and improving coordination with emergency responders and hospital management.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz introduced the rationale of the new digitized system initiated by the provincial government that 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.
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 (PDMPD).
The One Hospital Command, managed by the Negros Occidental Hospital Operations Department, 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.
NOCHP is another priority program of the provincial government that seeks to provide comprehensive health care to Negrenses, especially the marginalized sector.
Card holders 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.
Meanwhile, the Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center (NOLITC) in collaboration with the Negros Occ. Information and Communication Technology Division is developing the mobile application and website development for the said services for easy access to the public.
Lacson thanked the mayors and other stakeholders for the support that made Digitizing Health and Emergency Management possible.
He also urged everyone 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. 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,” said Lacson.
The activity is also part of the observance of the 2021 National Disaster Resilience Month this July./WDJ