DOST drives digital health innovation in PH

THE Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), through its Digital and Frontier Technologies for Health Program, showcased health innovations that tap artificial intelligence (AI), extended reality, and

intelligent tools in developing innovations that address the country’s health care challenges.

HEALTH TECH The Talakayang HeaRT Beat press conference, an initiative by the Department of Science and Technology aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. PHOTO FROM DOST

During the Talakayang HeaRT Beat press conference last May 27, DOST featured the i-SULAT (Intelligent Stroke Utilization, Learning, Assessment and Testing) of the University of Santo Tomas. This software-based system employs intelligent handwriting stroke analysis to deliver consistent, automated assessments of handwriting proficiency in early childhood.

Recognizing handwriting as a crucial developmental milestone tied to learning and neurological

health, i-SULAT provides accessible, standardized assessment tools, particularly valuable in areas with limited occupational therapy resources.

Another breakthrough initiative presented is the development of Immersive Gamification Technology Systems (ImGTS), which consists of two projects. This is designed to enhance rehabilitation for two distinct patient groups – children with cerebral palsy (CP) and mobility limitations, and patients with Alzheimer’s disease experiencing behavioral psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

The University of the Philippines Manila leads the study on ImGTS for pediatric CP rehabilitation, demonstrating how gamified experiences can support physical therapy. There is also research on ImGTS as a potential tool to mitigate BPSD in Alzheimer’s patients.

Another initiative, the HealthPH Project of the National University of Manila, focuses on real-time surveillance of respiratory disease trends through machine learning and natural language processing. By analyzing social media discussions in English, Filipino, and Cebuano, the HealthPH dashboard enables proactive monitoring of emerging respiratory outbreaks.

For more information, visit www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph.