Kalinga SP greenlights partnership with BGHMC for advanced healthcare access; Improved referal process expected

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Kalinga patients who need specialized treatment in Baguio may soon experience an easier and more organized referral process after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan unanimously approved a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the province’s healthcare network and the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC).

The approval of the MOA was made during the Provincial Board session on Tuesday, May 5, presided over by Vice Governor Dave Odiem.

Under the agreement, based on a copy of the document obtained by Guru Press Cordillera from a legislative staff member, BGHMC will serve as the “Apex Hospital” of Kalinga under the Philippine-Wide Health System (PWHS).

This means that BGHMC will become the main referral hospital for Kalinga patients who require advanced medical care that cannot yet be provided by local hospitals and healthcare facilities in the province.

According to the report of the Committee on Health and Sanitation, which earlier reviewed the proposal, the agreement also includes the use of the BGHMC Outpatient Department (OPD) Telemedicine System by hospitals and facilities under the Kalinga Health Care Provider Network (HCPN).

Through this system, patients in Kalinga may consult doctors or specialists from BGHMC online instead of traveling to Baguio City.

The committee said this could help reduce travel expenses and make consultations faster and more convenient for patients.

Aside from referrals and telemedicine services, the agreement also includes provisions on data security and integration to protect patients’ privacy and rights.

After the review and presentation by concerned departments during the committee hearing, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Health and Sanitation, chaired by Board Member Alfredo Dangani, recommended the approval of the MOA, which was later granted by the Provincial Board.

With the final approval, Governor James Edduba, representing the provincial government, was authorized to sign the MOA with BGHMC.