Cisco tie-up with PLDT-Smart Foundation Pilot telemedicine program underway

MANILA, Philippines - As part of its corporate social responsibility initiative Project SPARK, Cisco has announced its intention to donate Cisco HealthPresence solutions to the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF) for a pilot program that will deliver critical healthcare services and help connect patients out of the metropolis with doctors from the MPIC Hospital Group.

The telemedicine enabled by Cisco HealthPresence solutions combines network, mobile, cloud, and video technologies, and links medical providers with patients and colleagues in underserved communities.

Cisco intends to donate HealthPresence technologies, training and services support to PSF as part of the pilot program, which aims to support the government in transforming the healthcare delivery system.

This pilot program also reinforces Cisco’s commitment to combining technology and human creativity to solve social issues and help communities thrive.

“The technology industry has always been defined by what is coming next and we are excited by the opportunity to transform healthcare in the Philippines. Our intended donation to the PLDT-Smart Foundation will deliver critical help and improve access to healthcare where it is needed most,” said Mario Luis Castañeda, Cisco country manager for the Philippines.

“It is more than just connecting the unconnected. It is about integrating healthcare services to address the challenges faced by the Philippines like accessibility and the cost-effectiveness of quality healthcare,” Castañeda added.

“PLDT-Smart Foundation is very honored to be part of this first tele-health program in the Philippines and Asia-Pacific. The advantages of telecommunications should be shared with all to attain inclusive business and progress. Thanks to our partners, these benefits can likewise be experienced in delivering better health services,” said PSF president Esther Santos.

For his part, Augusto Palisoc Jr., MPIC executive director and president and CEO of the MPIC Hospital Group, said, “As we continue to grow the MPIC Hospital Group, we also continue to look for ways to improve the delivery of health services to our countrymen, which is why we welcome this initiative of Cisco to connect advanced healthcare institutions, such as Asian Hospital, with remote facilities that we will be able to help using this new technology.”