DAVAO CITY — The Smarter and Integrated Local Health Information System’s (SMILHIS) eHATID LGU project earned international acclaim by securing a Bronze Medal from the Korea Invention Promotion Association (KIPA) and the Special Prize for Best International from the Malaysian Association of Research Scientists during the 2024 Seoul International Invention Fair (SIIF) held from November 27-30, 2024.
As one of the world’s premier gatherings for innovators, the SIIF attracted over 500 entries from 30 countries, highlighting cutting-edge science and technology solutions to address societal challenges. The recognition of eHATID LGU underscores its transformative potential to enhance healthcare delivery in underserved and isolated communities.
The eHATID LGU is an offline-accessible electronic medical records (EMR) platform designed to address the challenges faced by healthcare workers in rural areas.
It enables local health units to efficiently store and update patient data, even in areas with unreliable internet connectivity. Additionally, the system streamlines reporting to national agencies such as PhilHealth, reducing administrative burdens and allowing healthcare workers to focus more on patient care.
Jaztine Calderon, the project’s developer, explained the motivation behind the innovation: The goal has always been to address the practical difficulties encountered by healthcare workers in remote areas.
Many rely on paper-based records that are prone to errors and delays. With eHATID LGU, data can be managed efficiently, even without an internet connection.”
Accessible via smartphones and tablets, the system offers an intuitive interface for healthcare providers. Complementing the eHATID LGU, Calderon’s team also developed the SMILHIS Local Health Information Exchange (LHIE), which securely integrates patient records across multiple health facilities. This ensures continuity of care for patients who visit different clinics or hospitals.
The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) has been instrumental in the success of eHATID LGU, providing funding, monitoring, and aligning the project with national health priorities.
Dr. Jaime C. Montoya, DOST-PCHRD Executive Director, praised the initiative. “The eHATID LGU exemplifies how research and development and technological prowess can improve Filipinos’ access to quality healthcare. The international project’s recognition highlights Filipino innovators’ ingenuity and dedication to making healthcare accessible for all.”
Calderon expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing how government backing enables Filipino innovators to gain international recognition while addressing critical local issues.
Looking ahead, the eHATID LGU team plans to expand its applications beyond healthcare. The system’s potential for integration into other public service sectors, such as disaster risk reduction and social welfare, is being explored. By broadening its scope, Calderon and his team aim to establish a versatile platform addressing various community needs.
Reflecting on the SIIF recognition, Calderon remarked, “The real indicator of success lies in creating solutions that respond to the needs of communities. It is an honor to have eHATID LGU acknowledged globally, but the greatest achievement remains its impact on the lives of those it serves.”
Apart from eHATID LGU, three other Filipino innovations won Bronze Medals at the event:
- iPOND Device by Ms. Zalda R. Gayahan of DOST–Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC).
- Bamboo Textile Fiber Technology spearheaded by Ms. Marie Antonette V. Berces of DOST–Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI).
- DeBCC Cream for basal cell carcinoma treatment, developed by Ms. Lorena B. Dela Cruz-Chiu.
