Bridging the Digital Divide in Healthcare: Addressing Telehealth Barriers from a Rural Community in the Philippines.

The article focuses on the challenges and efforts related to electronic health (eHealth) access in the Philippines, highlighting barriers such as inadequate digital infrastructure, low digital literacy, and high internet costs, especially in rural and marginalized communities. It discusses government initiatives like the Department of Information and Communications Technology's "Broadband ng Masa" program, which has expanded internet access to remote areas but remains insufficient to fully address telehealth disparities. The article emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach involving public–private partnerships, localized digital literacy programs, and financial subsidies to improve telehealth adoption. It also notes ongoing obstacles including socioeconomic inequalities, cultural resistance, and political instability that may hinder progress. Future research is recommended to explore the intersection of digital health with social determinants and strategies to enhance digital literacy among vulnerable groups. [Extracted from the article]