Positive outlook for HMIS industry

CEBU, Philippines —  The Philippines is seen to capture the growing Health Management Information System (HMIS) services once it addresses the pressing need to develop talents, improve infrastructure, and provide a friendlier environment for businesses.

Carelon Global Solutions Philippines, Inc., country head Nora K. Terrado said that the improvement of these crucial concerns will usher in the realization of the sector’s bold ambition of hitting the P28 billion growth by 2028. Carelon Global Solutions is a major player in the country’s HMIS industry.

Previously known as the Legato Health Technologies, the company recently announced the change of its corporate name to Carelon Global Solutions Philippines, Inc., as it intends to expand operations in the Philippines considering the growing demand for health services exports.

At present, the Philippine healthcare management services and solutions services sector accounts for 10 percent to 30 percent of all offshore services globally. She said while the company is expanding its workforce in its Manila and Iloilo sites, it is also entertaining possibilities of opening offices in other locations, like Cebu.

In terms of expansion, the company targets to build a core team of up to 1,500 in the next 24 months.

The HMIS collects, stores, and evaluates health-related data. It provides analytical reports and visualizations that facilitate decision-making.

Terrado however expressed appreciation for the current government’s efforts in taking attention to the sector, saying “policy-shaping to align our regulations to that of the demand of the market is one thing we really appreciate that our partners in the government have been looking at.”

Carelon Global Solutions also has offices in Ireland, Puetro Rico and India. Its operations in the Philippines, both in Manila and Iloilo City export healthcare services to clients in the United States.

Meanwhile, the Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines (HIMAP) expects that industry employment will hit around 180,000 full-time employees by 2028. These talents are predominantly medical, natural sciences and medical allied professionals.

Moreover, its revenue is expected to be around $1.84 Billion, which is also more than 40 percent growth rate from 2014, quite a feat considering that the HIMS industry has already grown four folds in the past five years.

The Philippine HIMS Industry has attracted numerous global investors, bringing the number of the industry players to more than 260 companies, including small and medium-sized players.  Records show that it is no longer just the large American companies that are aggressively outsourcing HIM services to the Philippines.  Other prominent countries are also moving swiftly to join the bandwagon.  There are already promising interests from countries like UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore.