As the country continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications are stepping up efforts to deliver high-speed internet and other forms of communications support to the country’s healthcare system and medical frontliners.
To date, 115 public hospitals and medical centers have received support from the two companies. These include the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Centers, Philippine Children’s Hospital, National Orthopedic Center, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, San Lorenzo Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), and the Veterans Memorial Medical Center.
PLDT and Smart have installed robust and reliable Wi-Fi systems in these government hospitals and government-facilitated quarantine centers, ensuring that the exchange of important information can be done in a timely and seamless manner.
Communication tools such as mobile phones, pre-paid load, and landlines have also distributed—enabling healthcare providers to not only access latest information about COVID-19 faster, but also connect with their loved ones back home.
“In these uncertain times, we will continue to do our part to support frontliners, who are working hard to attend to the needs of those affected by COVID-19,” said Jovy Hernandez, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP & Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups.
“We at PLDT-Smart will do everything in our power to help push Bayanihan forward,” stressed Hernandez.
Aside from providing communications support, PLDT and SMART have also distributed personal protective equipment (PPEs) such as masks and gloves to further ensure the protection of healthcare workers even as they attend to the needs of patients and others.
The recent contributions are part of the group’s continuing efforts in helping the nation combat COVID-19. During the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), PLDT and Smart provided UP-PGH and other public hospitals with 24/7 hotline numbers wherein the public can get assistance and speak to medical professionals about the symptoms they are experiencing.
“We see these actions as vital to ensuring the health and wellbeing of the Filipino public, our own contributions to the nation’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, SMART President and CEO and PLDT Chief Revenue Officer.
“In keeping with our commitment to nation-building, PLDT and SMART will always be ready to be of service to the country, whether it’s to deliver innovative solutions that drive economic growth and development, or social services that enable people and communities to live better.”