BONTOC, Mountain Province (PIA)--The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) helps provide access to health care services and faster diagnosis of conditions of patients  in the rural areas thru its RxBox.

A recent recipient of this Information and Communications Technology innovation is the Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Bontoc.

Provincial Science and Technology Office-Mountain Province headed by Provincial Director Alfonso K. Berto  turned-over a  RXBox unit   to the RHU and conducted a User's Orientation  last August 24.

RxBox is a telemedicine that allows diagnosis of patients' conditions like blood pressure monitor, pulse oximeter, electrocardiogram, fetal heart monitor, maternal tocometer, and temperature sensor.

 Said unit can reduce the overall cost of healthcare by enabling health workers to diagnose, monitor, and treat patients within the RHU.

"To the health workers who will be using the RxBox, please maximize its use because it is designed for use in remote places like the majority communities in Mountain Province.  It helps health workers to better diagnose patients, better documentation of patient records and better-quality data collection. Referrals are also easier even when medical doctors are not on site because thru the gadget, diagnosis is sent electronically to medical experts for advice. It is paperless" Berto said.

Bontoc Mayor Jerome Tudlong, Jr., and Municipal Health Officer Dr. Diga Kay Gomez thanked the DOST for their support in the health and nutrition programs of the Bontoc LGU.

The municipality of Bontoc is the second municipality in the province  to receive  RxBox unit after Paracelis. (JDP/VJLT-PIA CAR, Mt. Province)