Service Delivery Network links people who seldom see hospitals or physicians or their healthcare needs. Its creation began when the Philippine Health Care System became more complex from the segmentation of public and private health providers. It is mandated in the Sin Tax Law and Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law where the Department of Health is tasked to guide local governments in forming SDNs.

In addition, our Service Delivery Network’s services are delivered to clients by, first, networks that are fully functional (complete equipment, medicines, & health personnel), equipment with trained health personnel, sub-specialty training, augmentation of doctors (Davao Doctors, PGH, etc.), and residency training rotation. Second, compliant with clinical practice guidelines – accredited residency training programs; Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics Gynaecology, etc. Another one is that SDN should be available 24/7 even during disasters. In line with the latter, Hotline unit was created under Public Health Department to man this role. Different active mobile numbers have been disseminated to MHOs and other concerned individuals to call or text for inquiries, referrals, complaints, and the likes. These departments are ER, HEMS, and MCH Bagacay. Third is mainly focused on practicing gatekeeping. This includes the creation of SDN technical working group for the first district of Leyte, SDN referral requirements (certificate of indigency, family health book, etc.), and practice base residency training. Furthermore, all SDN related referrals and transactions must be communicated by the SDN point personnel of every health care facility where Service Delivery Network is being implemented.

Fourth, SDN should be close to people. Public Health Department conducts health promotion activities, surgical and medical missions, and the last mile strategy for the underserved population of the region to experience the full-package of health care delivery that a tertiary hospital can offer.

Lastly, SDN is enhanced by Telemedicine, which allows healthcare professionals to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients in remote locations using telecommunications technology. In coordination with the Department of Science and Technology, National Telehealth Center, University of the Philippines, Philippine General Hospital, and the proposal of Medical Ambassadors of Canada, EVRMC is now waiting for the complete distribution of RxBox (telemedicine device) to 88 recipient municipalities all over the region, ready for implementation.

Thus, SDN commits to make arrangements to meet the individual and population health needs and monitor network outcomes be- cause one of its focus is to institutionalize a people-centered SDN. This include Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Out-Patient Medical Services, Hospital Services and Specialty Services.