Advancing equitable healthcare system through technology

The BusinessWorld Insights forum, held at Dusit Thani Manila on April 29 under the theme *Tech in Wellness: Shaping the Future of Health*, explored how emerging technologies are reshaping healthcare in the Philippines. Industry leaders and health experts discussed advancements like telehealth, telemedicine, AI-supported diagnostics, and remote monitoring, which have widened access to care, especially in remote areas. During the event, PharmaServ Express Medical Director Dr. Salvador Pedro G. Rebullida noted that the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital adoption, forcing providers and patients toward online platforms. While this innovation improved reachability, systemic gaps remain, particularly in medicine delivery and infrastructure. Medications require strict temperature control and handling, unlike standard courier goods, posing risks to drug integrity and patient recovery. PharmaServ Express has addressed these challenges by developing specialized logistics, including temperature-controlled containers for vaccine distribution during the pandemic. The company recently launched a mobile app allowing users to locate and order medications from nearby pharmacies at competitive prices, including specialty drugs unavailable in retail outlets. Dr. Rebullida emphasized that such technology aims to ensure Filipinos receive medications quickly, safely, and effectively. Despite progress, Dr. Rebullida warned that technology alone cannot solve healthcare inequities. He stressed the need for coordination between tech solutions, logistics, and policy to bridge gaps in infrastructure and service consistency. The forum underscored that while digital tools expand healthcare reach, systemic reforms remain critical to equitable access nationwide.