Arroyos propose use of electronic medical records

MANILA, Philippines – Former president and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her son Camarines Sur Representative Diosdado Macapagal Arroyo have filed a bill proposing the use of electronic medical records in hospitals and clinics.

Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The authors of House Bill 2805, which proposes the establishment of an Electronic Medical Record Center under the Department of Health (DOH), said easy access to patients’ records will save time, money and effort.

“Obtaining vital patient medical information especially in emergency cases can help avoid unnecessary loss of lives,” the Camarines Sur congressman said in a statement.

The records to be digitized will include medical background, history of medical service and other necessary information.

The center will serve as a hub of all record databanks. It will use a special software and a system that encrypts data to secure the files.

If approved into law, the bill will require an initial P10 million allocation for the operations of the Electronic Medical Records Center.

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