VP Leni Robredo praises Switzerland as example for PH health-focused tech solutions
The health technology competition seeking homegrown solutions to expand Filipinos’ access to Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) was organized by the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines in partnership with Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and TechTalks.ph to celebrate 60 years of PH-Switzerland diplomatic relations.
“Switzerland has long acknowledged the central importance of technology, research and development to keep its health care system one of the best among OECD countries. This morning’s competition is our own little way in contributing to the ongoing innovations in Philippine universal healthcare, as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relationships between Switzerland and the Philippines. E-Health solutions are very important if we are to improve efficiencies and keep up with the times,” said Swiss Ambassador in the Philippines Andrea Reichlin.
Held last October 4 at the AIM in Makati City, HealthTech Challenge PH was graced by Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo who praised the one-day event for following Switzerland’s example in giving opportunity to tech startups and solutions to address the country’s silent crisis of public health.
“Without exception, companies, individuals, and governments have scrambled to adapt to these ever-changing times. And with the power of technology, health-focused tech startups and solutions represent an important opportunity to widen access to basic services in ways that have never been done before,” said VP Robredo.
“From the farthest areas, [the Swiss] can request for emergency services even when cellular, internet or GPS connectivity is not available. No wonder Switzerland has one of the best healthcare systems in the world,” she said.
According to the World Health Organization, Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) means all people and communities can use the promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative health services they need, of sufficient quality to be effective, while also ensuring that the use of these services does not expose the user to financial hardship.
HealthTech Challenge Winners
The Decision Labs, which uses embedded analytics to enhance patient experience in hospitals through its flagship product CEMPIA, clinched the HealthTech Challenge top prize.
Winning second prize and third prize are BloodHero, an online community platform for blood donors committed to life, and Wireless Access for Health, which helps over 100 local government partners manage and improve local healthcare through its digital health platform.
Tech-based products like websites, mobile apps, hardware and software solutions covered by the HealthTech Challenge competition includes any stage of the healthcare process from awareness, diagnosis, treatment, tracking, and monitoring.
The Open CPD Network aims to create a new partnership arrangement offering accredited CPD Courses through online portals at #ZeroCost to the participants. JazzyPay is a web and mobile secured-payment platform designed for customers to pay educational and medical institutions directly using multi-currency consolidated payment solutions.
Novostorm provides patient flow management solutions to hospitals. Medix.PH is an electronic medical record (EMR) platform for hospitals and clinics. Getz Clinical offers clinical software that improves accuracy, security and accessibility of patient data.
HealthTech Challenge judges include Kenneth Hartigan-Go, MD, School Head of the AIM Zuellig Graduate School of Development Management; Dr. John Q. Wong, EpiMetrics, Inc. President; Christine Fajardo, Novartis Director; Dave Overton, Sym.ph founder and CEO; Dr. Tonyboy Faraon, Zuellig Foundation Vice President; Christian Blanquera, Openovate.com CEO & Founder;
HealthTech Challenge mentors include Mark John Buenconsejo, Next Level Founder; Prof. Rene T. Domingo, AIM Management Consultant and Professor; Prof. Gaston D. Ortigas Jr. AIM Associate Professor; Jason Torres, Mashup Garage Co-Founder and CTO; Dr. Marian F. Concepcion, Program Manager of the LEARNS Evaluation Team; and Prof. Matthew George O. Escobido, AIM Assistant Professor and head of the new program Masters in Innovation and Business.
