The Department of Science and Technology (DOST-7) recently inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the local government unit of Lazi and turned over the RxBox unit to its Rural Health Unit (RHU) as the first RxBox site in the province. 

“The RxBox is a telemedicine device capable of capturing medical signals through built-in medical sensors, storing data in an electronic medical record (Community Health Information Tracking System-CHITS), and transmitting health information via internet to a clinical specialist in the Philippine General Hospital for expert advice,” said Provincial Director Engr. Mario de la Pena during the MOA signing and turnover ceremony.

It also catalyzes improvement in the local referral system by facilitating teleconsultations (audio-video conferences) within the National Telehealth Service Program.

RxBox has six components, namely: Blood Pressure Monitor, Pulse Oximeter, Electrocardiogram (ECG), Fetal Heart Monitor, Maternal Tocometer, and Temperature Sensor. 

With RxBox, the overall healthcare cost in Lazi is expected to reduce as health workers are able to diagnose, monitor, and treat patients within Lazi Health Center, said de la Pena. 

Prior to the turnover to the municipality, the RxBox device was endorsed and received by the Siquijor provincial government through Gov. Zaldy Villa. (RAC/PIA Siquijor with reports from Engr. Joelline Ann D. Ates/SRA & IO-designate/DOST Siquijor PSTC S&T Media Service)