DOST to distribute 1,000 RxBox kits in 2016
MANILA – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will be distributing 1,000 RxBox kits this year. Currently, it is available in 143 sites nationwide.
Dr. Aretha Ann G. Liwag, project consultant of the National Institute of Health in the RxBox Program in Western Visayas, explained that the initiative enables technology to deliver services that impact on health care, especially in isolated and disadvantaged communities.
The RxBox contains blood pressure monitor, pulse oximeter, electrocardiogram (ECG), fetal heart monitor, maternal tocometer and temperature sensor to gather physiological data of the patient.
The physiological data of the patient may be sent to a referring or clinical specialists at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) for appropriate action.
These boxes are deployed to rural health units (RHUs) in the countryside. RHU staff were trained on how to operate the kits.
Liwag said that the RxBox is available in 12 local government units in Western Visayas.
These are in Buruanga in Aklan; Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital and Culasi in Antique and Concepcion, Guimbal, Igbaras, Miagao, Oton, San Joaquin, Tigbauan and Tubungan in Iloilo.
The project is funded by DOST’s Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) and undertaken by the UP Manila Telehealth Center. (PNA)
