IPC-SOSS Spearheads Module 1 of the Digital Health Implementation for Local Government Units Course

On the 28th and 29th of February 2024, the Institute of Philippine Culture (IPC), School of Social Sciences (SOSS), collaborated with key partners including the University of the Philippines Diliman, the Department of Health-Knowledge Management and Information Technology Services Division, and the PhilHealth - National Health Data Repository team to host a two-day online workshop focused on digital health implementation tailored for local government units (LGUs).

Engaging participants from 9 LGUs, 1 regional government office, 2 NGOs, and 1 academic institution, the workshop delved into lectures and hands-on sessions dedicated to crafting Information and Communications Technology and eHealth development plans. The enthusiastic involvement of representatives from the Aklan Provincial Government, Bataan Provincial Government, Benguet Provincial Government, Borongan City Government, Cabanatuan City Government, Iloilo City Government, Laguna Provincial Government, Olongapo City (represented by the James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital), Pulilan, Bulacan Municipal Government, DOH Center for Health Development Western Visayas, Medical Action Group, and KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation underscored the relevance of the initiative. 

Supported by the DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, the Digital Health Implementation (DHI) for LGUs course exemplifies IPC's dedication to supporting LGUs in their ongoing pursuit of Universal Health Care (UHC). The course, comprising seven modules, aims to enhance local government capacity to plan and manage digital health interventions aligned with UHC objectives. Each module addresses specific knowledge gaps while highlighting existing competencies within local governments, showcasing their commitment to leveraging digital health technologies for improved health systems:

• UHC principles for developing digital health plans and costing at the municipal, city, and province levels (Modules 0 and 1)
• Developing and managing health information systems in pursuit of universal health care (Modules 1 and 2)
• Understanding health informatics with selected tools for the analysis of digital health data for clinical and public health applications (Modules 3, 4, and 5)
• Using LGU-gathered health and health-related data for policy and program needs (Module 6)

This comprehensive series not only addresses the evolving needs of LGUs but also underscores the pivotal role digital health plays in advancing the broader goals of Universal Health Care. The commitment of IPC-SOSS, alongside its esteemed partners, stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts aimed at ensuring a healthier and more resilient future for local communities.