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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider First AI-powered app against COVID-19 to provide free telemedicine service to Filipinos

First AI-powered app against COVID-19 to provide free telemedicine service to Filipinos

Published Jun 9, 2020 11:58 am
By Gabriela Baron In an effort to provide accessible and affordable healthcare in the Philippines, the first AI-powered app providing free 24/7 digital healthcare services to Filipinos to fight COVID-19 will be launched on June 18. The Babylon app includes COVID-19 Care Assistant, which allows patients to access e-prescribed kits, check their symptoms, monitor their illness, and attend a virtual consultation with a doctor. Other features include a symptom checker and live chat functionality with the team at Babylon. The AI-driven telemedicine service also provides vital information on self-isolation and minimizing contamination. It is available in two languages, English and Filipino. The app was set up by LabX Asia, local distributor of the first United States and the Philippines Food and Drug Administration approved serology and antibody rapid test, in partnership with digital healthcare app Babylon. "Now, all Filipinos can get free unlimited medical assistance. The Philippines does not have enough doctors to serve millions of Filipinos, that's why the partnership will change as LABx and Babylon will bring medical technologies to save lives and empower patients," Thomas Navasero, chairman and CEO of LABx Asia, said. Dr. Ali Parsa, founder of Babylon, said that the use of telemedicine increases the reach and impact of healthcare professionals. "The combination of our technology and clinical service allows our doctors and nurses to use their time for the most suited tasks, whilst amplifying their expertise for the benefit of all our patients. We stand ready to help our communities in any way we can and in any manner they need,” Parsa said. Babylon's COVID-19 Care Assistant App serves over 4 million registered patients in the United States and the United Kingdom. LABx is currently coordinating with Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) and several health maintenance organizations (HMOs) for the viability of AI-powered technology in the Philippines.
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