Science & Innovation to address inequities in PHL

The RxBox is a portable innovation which allows teleconsultation of patients using wired and wireless connection. (Photo courtesy of DOST-ARMM)

MANILA – We know how Science made our lives easier – from communication, to cooking, traveling, etc.

We also know how people have become dependent on medicines and other medical treatments. The question is, how can science and innovation address inequities in the country?

“The internal and external developments pose a challenge to the Philippine Science community. Since we have been fighting many battles, it might be time to ask whether we are winning the war,” uttered William Padolina, president of National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) during the 10th annual meeting of the Outstanding Young Scientists, Inc. (OYSI).

During the meeting held Tuesday at the Manila Hotel, Jaime Montoya, Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) executive director, reiterated that many Filipinos in far-flung areas die without seeing a doctor. He added that this is also because 90 percent of health professionals and facilities is in urban areas.

Given that scenario, Padolina highlighted that science and innovation can address inequalities, and added the need to think of ways to help the disadvantaged groups, to empower them and eliminate their helplessness.

As the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is looking for ways to maximize science and technology (S&T) for health, Montoya, meanwhile, cited that the country needs more scientists to help address health concerns.

Furthermore, there’s a need to build up on their (scientists) ability to manage and absorb innovation, said Padolina.

He added that serious shortage of talent in science, engineering and innovation in the country is no longer funny.

Everyone’s encouraged to take part in innovation and help address inequality, especially in the health sector.

“Are we going to be creators or consumers, or combination of both?” asked Padolina. Acknowledging that S&T is vital in good governance, he noted that a technically-skilled population is also vital for nation survival.

Health innovations

So far, the country has achieved a number of accomplishments in health innovation.

The PCHRD, for instance, has partnered with the Department of Health to use information and communications technology (ICT) to ensure quality healthcare services and real-time information.

Among the other innovations include the RxBox, which allows teleconsultation of patients using wired and wireless connection.

There’s also the e-Health tablet. It aims to help local government officials to make informed decisions concerning health in their localities, and also ensures a more efficient patient record system.

Meanwhile, drug discovery remains something that needs to be strengthened and explored.

“The country is in need of determined, hardworking scientists,” emphasized Montoya. Highlighting that Filipinos were able to make lagundi and sambong medicines, he hopes that someday, we could create drugs for other diseases.