TACLOBAN CITY-Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan of the 4Ps party-list group has called on the national government to lead the establishment of a secure patient information-sharing system, emphasizing such a system would significantly improve health outcomes and patient safety.
“There’s no question that a patient information sharing system among healthcare providers can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment, especially in emergency cases, and lessen the hazard of life-threatening medical errors,” Libanan, who is also the minority floor leader of the Lower House, said.
Libanan urged the Department of Health to begin implementing this system, ensuring it includes robust privacy safeguards.
“We are now living in a world of greater people mobility. Individuals can have a sudden medical emergency anywhere, and yet their digital or physical medical records are somewhere else,” he pointed out.
“Anyone can have a heart attack or be involved in a road crash at any time and be rushed to the nearest hospital. Medical practitioners at that hospital should be able to quickly access the individual’s health history through a system,” the lawmaker added.
Addressing concerns about data privacy violations, Libanan cited Chapter 3, Section 13(e) of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173) which allows for the processing of sensitive personal information when necessary for medical treatment and when carried out by a medical practitioner or a medical treatment institution.
“The law merely underscores the need for privileged information to be effectively protected at all times against unwanted privacy intrusions,” Libanan said.
Libanan asserted that a patient information-sharing mechanism would lead to a highly efficient and responsive healthcare system for all.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
