VP Leni’s free Covid-19 teleconsult now in Bicol

By Mavic Conde

The free teleconsultation platform for Covid-19 patients isolated at home is now in Bicol, thanks to the partnership between the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the office of Camarines Sur 3rd District Rep. Gabriel Bordado.

Called Bayanihan e-Ataman, this teleconsult service is similar to the Bayanihan E-Konsulta program, which the OVP launched in April for areas within the NCRPlus Bubble to provide outpatient care, such as free doctor’s consultation and referral, and Covid-19 care kits. Each kit includes a digital thermometer, pulse oximeter, face masks, basic medications, and a Covid-19 monitoring sheet. Donations and private partnerships help make this possible.

According to a Facebook post in the OPV’s official page, “The [Bayanihan e-Ataman] would include giving of Covid Care Kits and daily patient monitoring of Covid positive patients who are isolating at home.” In her recent radio show, Vice President Leni Robrewdo said equipment will be lent to Barangay Health Workers (BHW) in lockdown areas.

Since its launching in Camarines Sur, a BHW orientation has been held to ensure the uniformity and seamlessness of the program’s protocols. It has enlisted volunteer and partner doctors from the Bicol Medical Center with the help of local government units (LGUs).

Given the OVP’s limited budget, Robredo encouraged other LGUs to partner with the OPV or adapt the program to help decongest hospitals and provide medical advice to patients for free.

“Willing po kami as long as may partner tayo na LGU o local [partners]” that can provide volunteers who can run the program, Robredo said.