NTT DATA and Baguio City launches Telemedicine App to Strengthen COVID-19 Response and Management in Philippines
March 11, 2021 – NTT DATA, a global digital business and IT services leader, and the local government of Baguio announced the pilot implementation of NTT DATA Telemedicine App, an artificial intelligence (AI)-trained platform that aids mobilization of verified COVID-19 information accessible 24/7 to citizens using live chatbot in Philippines. The initiative comes after NTT DATA’s successful pilot of AI-based solutions for public health screening. Currently, there are more than 60,000 active users of the Telemedicine App through the City Government of Baguio website and Facebook page.
Last year, Mayor Benjamin Magalong - in cooperation with Baguio City’s medical practitioners led by Dr. Ruel Revilla - agreed to conduct a joint research with NTT DATA on the use AI-powered Medical Imaging Solution (GENKI) to accelerate detection and triage of potential COVID-19 cases in Baguio City. GENKI was used in mobile X-ray vans at hotspots within the city to analyze scans within minutes, and categorize patients into those needing home quarantine or hospitalization - with isolation or without isolation. With the NTT DATA Telemedicine App implementation, Dr. Revilla says it will allow residents free consultation with medical doctors without the need of being physically present, but also have access to the latest news and information on the coronavirus and other health issues.
The Telemedicine App was developed to democratize sharing of verified information between doctors and patients through “Expert-in-the Loop” approach – incorporating conversational AI technology for its chat and voice user interface. The solution facilitates self-assessment of COVID-19 symptoms, directing users toward the appropriate level of care or action, assists in booking outpatient appointment. and provides updates on vaccine and its adverse effects – ultimately allowing for a contact-less medical consultation in support of the city’s ramped-up drive against the disease’s spread. Informational tools on vaccine management and creating “heat maps” of vulnerable sectors are included in the platform’s array of benefits. Its mobile-friendly integration will also allow users to connect through different channels such as Facebook, Viber, WhatsApp, LGU Web Portal, among others.
With the uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis, the need to implement a seamless remote medical ecosystem has been at the peak during economy reset, while restrictive measures remain in place. True to its vision, NTT DATA Philippines aims to integrate its telemedicine platform in all Baguio hospital operations to enable patient referral to appropriate health facilities, coupled with other solutions such as vaccine management and remote consultation during treatment and post-COVID recovery.
NTT DATA ensures long-term promise for innovation through transformational technologies. This public initiative around data collection and information sharing using artificial intelligence is yet another solution in helping communities hasten the fight against COVID-19 and create a better and resilient health system.
About NTT DATA
NTT DATA – a part of NTT Group – is a trusted global innovator of IT and business services headquartered in Tokyo. We help clients transform through consulting, industry solutions, business process services, digital & IT modernization and managed services. NTT DATA enables them, as well as society, to move confidently into the digital future. We are committed to our clients’ long-term success and combine global reach with local client attention to serve them in over 50 countries around the globe. Visit us at nttdata.com.
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NTT DATA Philippines
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HannahChristine.VeraCruz@nttdata.com
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- NTTDATA-DEEPTEK GENKI: Medical Imaging AI based Solution for Public Health Screening & Efficient Pandemic Management – A WHITE PAPER
- City to launch “contact-less” medical consultation AI platform | City Government of Baguio
- Baguio City explores AI technology in COVID-19 fight – Manila Bulletin (mb.com.ph)
