Makati unveils telehealth plan for LGU workers
THE city government of Makati on Friday announced its partnership with KonsultaMD, Globe Group’s telehealth provider in the country, to provide free online consultations to some 10,785 city hall employees.
Mayor Abigail Binay said her administration is planning to extend the program’s benefits to the rest of some 144,943 Yellow Card holders this year to provide medical access to senior citizens, differently-abled persons, bedridden patients, and those who are unable to visit healthcare facilities due to health and other concerns.
“We are honored to partner with the Globe Group and KonsultaMD to provide online consultations and other telemedicine services to City Hall employees. We believe that this partnership can set a good example for other cities and organizations to follow, as we work together to overcome the challenges of the pandemic,” Binay said during the partnership launch of the program at Makati City Hall.
She said the partnership, which is the first KonsultaMD project for a local government unit in Metro Manila, aims to provide convenient and accessible services to city hall employees to address physical and mental health concerns even after office and clinic hours.
The city chief executive said city hall employees who are Yellow Card holders only need to download the KonsultaMD mobile app, register, and schedule a consultation with a licensed doctor or mental health counselor.
With this telehealth platform, employees can consult with licensed doctors and healthcare professionals through 24/7 video calls without leaving the safety of their homes or offices.
Aside from online consultations, KonsultaMD also offers e-prescriptions, laboratory requests, online medical certificates, and mental health support.
Binay said e-prescriptions can be presented to Planet Drugstore so that employees can avail themselves of free medicines.
She also expressed her gratitude to Globe Group President and CEO Ernest Cu and KonsultaMD CEO Cholo Tagaysay for their support and dedication in improving the lives of Makatizens.
“This partnership is a significant step towards promoting telemedicine as a viable healthcare option, not just for City Hall employees but also for the wider community. It is a timely response to the growing demand for accessible and convenient healthcare services, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic,” added Binay.