Digital technology gives Makati easy access to healthcare

The ease of technology has given the public access to more services, with digital tools eliminating and solving inefficiencies to allow positive growth, Globe Group president and CEO Ernest Cu said. At the formal signing of an agreement between Globe Group and the City of Makati to provide free 24/7 online doctor consultations for free starting May 2023 through the super-app KonsultaMD, Cu said the collaboration is a perfect pairing, with Makati as one of the most digitally advanced local government unit, and Globe, a leader in digital solutions.

“With Globe’s reach to create digital solutions, many LGUs will benefit from such synergy if they keep an open mind to it. There will be hesitations at first, but once they adopt the digital system, they (LGUs) will see the benefits,” Cu said when asked how collaborations like the Globe signed with Makati could provide better services to the Filipino public.

At the signing, Cu and Makati City Mayor Abby Binay said the partnership would pilot among City Hall employees, with the rollout for Makati residents with yellow cards scheduled later this year.

This initiative is part of the local government’s efforts to provide better healthcare services to city hall workers and, eventually, residents. It will also help alleviate congestion in health centers and complement local doctors grappling with staff shortages.

Through this program, beneficiaries will have 24/7 access to video consultations via the KonsultaMD SuperApp. They can enjoy e-prescriptions, e-laboratory requests, e-medical certificates, general health consultations, proper medical prescriptions, and mental health support.

“We are honored to be part of this groundbreaking initiative and work with the City of Makati in improving their healthcare system. As a telehealth company, KonsultaMD is dedicated to providing quality healthcare services to every Filipino. Our partnership with the City of Makati is a significant step towards achieving this goal,” said KonsultaMD CEO Cholo Tagaysay.

The Makati City government recognizes the need for improved healthcare services to its constituents and to ease the burden of the Ospital ng Makati and Makati health centers. KonsultaMD is aligned with The Makati Health Department’s requirement to offer alternative online access to licensed doctors for Makatizens anytime, anywhere.

Binay thanked Globe and KonsultaMD for getting on board the project.

“We understand our citizens’ challenges in accessing healthcare services, especially during these trying times. That is why we have partnered with the Globe Group and KonsultaMD to provide Makatizens with a reliable and convenient way to address their needs,” Binay said.

The partnership, coordinated by the Globe Enterprise Group and KonsultaMD teams, took three years to complete and is the first KonsultaMD project with a local government unit (LGU) within the National Capital Region. KonsultaMD’s earlier partnerships involved LGUs outside Metro Manila.

“At Globe, we are committed to uplifting the lives of Filipinos through digital solutions and connectivity, so we are excited to see the impact this program will have on the healthcare system of Makati. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the City of Makati and other LGUs to build a better, healthier future for the people,” said Cu.

The collaboration aims to serve as a model for other LGUs to provide better healthcare services to their constituents.