The State of Electronic Health Records in the Philippines: A Journey to Digital Health

March 2025

Introduction

 

In recent years, the Philippines has made significant strides in digitalizing its healthcare system. One key component of this journey is the implementation of Electronic Health Records (EHRs). EHRs are a crucial tool for improving healthcare outcomes, enhancing patient care, and streamlining administrative processes. However, the progress made so far is still limited by several factors, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of standardization, and insufficient funding.

The Current State

 

The Philippine government has recognized the importance of EHRs in achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and improving healthcare delivery. In 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 10, which aimed to establish a comprehensive national health insurance program and promote electronic health records. The order mandated the development of an interoperable system for EHRs by 2020.

While progress has been made, many challenges remain. For instance:

​Limited infrastructure: Many hospitals and clinics lack access to computers ​or tablets, making it difficult for staff to enter patient data into the EHR ​ ​ ​system.

​Lack of standardization: Different healthcare institutions have developed ​  ​their own EHR systems, leading to fragmentation and inefficiencies in data ​exchange.

​Insufficient funding: The implementation of EHRs has been hindered by ​ ​ ​inadequate funding, which has limited the scope and scale of the project.

 

Opportunities and Challenges

 

Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for growth and innovation in the EHR landscape. Some of these include:

 Increasing adoption rates: As healthcare institutions become more familiar with EHRs, adoption rates are expected to increase.

  • Improved data analytics: EHRs can provide valuable insights into patient outcomes, leading to improved decision-making and better resource allocation.
  • Enhanced patient engagement: EHRs can empower patients by providing them with a digital record of their medical history, allowing for more informed decisions.

 

However, challenges remain, including:

​Digital divide: Many healthcare institutions still lack access to technology, ​        ​leaving patients and staff behind.

​Cybersecurity concerns: The use of EHRs raises cybersecurity risks, which      ​must be addressed through robust security measures.

Future Directions

To overcome the current limitations and capitalize on the opportunities presented by EHRs, the Philippine government must prioritize investments in infrastructure development, standardization, and digital literacy programs. Some potential future directions include:

  • Developing a nationwide EHR system: A comprehensive national EHR system can help to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all healthcare institutions have access to technology.
  • Implementing robust cybersecurity measures: Protecting patient data through robust security protocols is essential for maintaining trust in the healthcare system.
  • Enhancing patient engagement: Encouraging patients to participate in their care through digital means, such as mobile apps and online platforms, can lead to improved health outcomes.

 

Conclusion


The implementation of Electronic Health Records in the Philippines has the potential to transform the country's healthcare system. While challenges remain, the progress made so far is a testament to the importance of investing in digitalization. As the Philippine government continues to navigate the complexities of EHRs, it must prioritize investments in infrastructure development, standardization, and cybersecurity measures to ensure that all healthcare institutions can benefit from these critical tools.

 

Why Doctors and Clinical Staff in the Philippines Need Electronic Health Records