THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is deploying RxBoxes to provide better access to life-saving health care service in remote communities in the region.
DOST regional project staff for RxBox Mark Madarang said they will deploy 58 RxBoxes in the different parts of the region starting next month.
Madarang said the deployment of the RxBoxes will be 24 in Zamboanga del Sur, 17 in Zamboanga del Norte, 16 in Zamboanga Sibugay and one in Zamboanga City.
Madarang said each of the RxBox costs P180,000 and the DOST central office has allocated P10.4 million for the implementation of the project in the region.
Each of the RxBox contains a blood pressure monitor, pulse oxymeter, electrocardiogram, fetal heart monitor, maternal tocometer and temperature sensor.
The RxBox is a telemedicine device capable of capturing medical signals through built-in medical sensors, storing data in an electronic medical record (Community Health Information Tracking System) and transmitting health information via internet to a clinical specialist in the Philippine General Hospital for expert advice.
It also catalyzes improvement in the local referral system by facilitating teleconsultations (audio-video conferences) within the National Telehealth Service Program.
The RxBox can reduce the overall cost of healthcare by enabling health workers to diagnose, monitor and treat patients within the rural health facility.
Madarang said the implementation of the project is in cooperation with the Department of Health and University of the Philippines-National Telehealth Center.
Madarang said the deployment of the RxBoxes is in support to the country’s race towards the Millennium Development Goals on improving maternal and neonatal health services.
Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2017/01/14/dost-allocates-p104m-rxbox-project-520164