The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) headed by Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña awarded units of "RxBox," a broadcasting device for technology-assisted medical consultations, to five (5) component local government units of the Province of Ilocos Norte, last June 24

"RxBox" is capable of measuring a patient's temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, uterine contractions, and electrocardiogram readings. Through this telehealth device, patients can have their diagnosis explained by a physician without the need for a 'face-to-face' consultation.

The towns of Bangui, Burgos, Dingras, Batac City, and Laoag City, look forward to utilizing the "RxBox" for a more efficient medical diagnosis amidst the pandemic and providing a 'safer' method of practice for medical frontliners.

"We know that the future of medicine will be heavily reliant on telemedicine so this is a welcome development in Ilocos Norte and we look forward to supporting and working with the DOST to improve the lives of the Ilokanos," said Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc.

"This project is in line with the efforts and the directions that we at the Provincial Government have taken in this pandemic…we are grateful to the DOST for enabling and equipping us to take this one step further with the assistance of science and technology," he added.

The awarding of said equipment was simultaneous with the inauguration of the Provincial Government's one STORE, also a collaborative project with the DOST. (Cita Macalipis, RPN DZRL Batac Correspondent)

(Source: Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte - Communications & Media Office)