SP OKs MOA with DOH for iClinicSys

AN ordinance authorizing the city mayor to enter into and sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Health – Regional Office X, was approved by the 18th City Council during the 78th regular session presided by Vice Mayor Raineir Joaquin V. Uy.

The MOA covers the utilization of the DOH – Integrated Clinic Information System (iClinicSys) Electronic Medical Record (EMR) System in order to promote efficient payment of the Philhealth Capitation Fund, under certain terms and conditions.

This is in line with RA 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code, which mandates the devolution of the delivery of health services and facilities as one of the basic functions and responsibilities of all Local Government Units at all levels.

The legislation is also in consonance with the Philippine eHealth Strategic Framework and Plan 2014-2020, which provides a sense of direction and outlines measurable goals for the National eHealth Program. Under the plan, by 2020 an ICT – enabled Philippine Health System towards better and equitable access to quality health care services, and easier access to secure real time and quality health data and information for evidence-based decision making, will have been achieved.

Under the MOA, the DOH, through its regional offices, shall assist the city in the installation and access to the iClinicSys by providing resources such as system installer and provide training for technical staff of the LGU on how to use and manage the iClinicSys. The DOH shall provide technical assistance in case there is a need to troubleshoot the system, secure any data that may be required for information exchange if allowed, and conduct monitoring and evaluation on the performance of the system, among others.

The ordinance was favorably endorsed by the committees on social services and on laws and rules chaired by Councilors Reuben Daba and Ian Mark Nacaya, respectively. (EF)