Healthcare information management services leaders call for greater AI readiness
By Joshua Fidel A. Feria | November 05, 2025
Alert to challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI), leaders of the local healthcare information management services (HIMS) sector urged stronger efforts toward adaptation.
At the recent Healthcare Information Management Services Conference (HIMSCON) 2025, Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines (HIMAP) President Vincent Remo stressed the need for decisive action. “Being in the era of AI, and being in an industry that is constantly shaped by disruptions, we (believe it is critical that) the HIMS industry, academe, and government work together. HIMSCON is an invitation for (these institutions to work) together to achieve transformative progress,” declared Remo in his opening message.
Artificial intelligence has been transforming industries worldwide, driving efficiency, innovation, and smarter ways of working. Across sectors, including HIMS, it is reshaping data management and decision-making. Yet, many remain cautious, raising concerns over data security, workforce disruption, and the rapid pace of technological change.
Over 350 sectoral leaders, professionals, and partners attended HIMSCON 2025 last October 20 to 21. Staged annually, HIMSCON is the flagship event of HIMAP, where delegates can exchange solutions and explore strategic partnerships. This year’s edition, held at Shangri-La at The Fort in Taguig City, covered topics under the theme "Sustaining Growth Beyond Disruption,” highlighting market trends, talent and workforce development, education and training innovations, and digital transformation.
Leaders propose strategies
During the conference’s panel sessions, HIMS industry leaders offered perspectives on adapting to the changing business landscape.
Sanas’ Director of Solutions Engineering, Ben Warner, stressed the need for businesses to study new technologies like AI. “Without understanding the benefit, you’re not going to get a buy-in (from the workforce),” Warner said. He emphasised that without sufficient knowledge of new systems “from the top,” businesses will see little progress, saying “everyone has to be involved.”
For Pointwest Business Unit Head for Healthcare Rhea Latoga, more organizations should lead teaching sessions on automation and AI, as this would enable the workforce to meet challenges and lower the risk of displacement.
Carelon Global Solutions’ Managing Director for Clinical Operations, Dr. Salin Kataria, advocated investing in people as a growth strategy, noting that the “likelihood of talent leaving is less” when “the company is doing the best they can” to develop the workforce.
The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the export promotion arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), also joined the event in support of the local HIMS sector, which continues to show strong potential in international markets. CITEM was represented by Chief Trade-Industry Development Specialist for Trade Promotions Services for Consumer and Allied Sectors, Katrina Pineda, and Assistant Project Manager Chol dela Paz in HIMSCON 2025.
“Rapid advancements in technology pose a number of challenges,” Pineda said. “But these are challenges Philippine enterprises are equipped to overcome. The global community deserves to know the Philippines is ready to upskill, innovate, and adapt.”
CITEM reaffirms commitment to the HIMS sector
CITEM and HIMAP have collaborated on overseas missions to market the Philippines’ HIMS industry. For CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo, the sector offers businesses myriad advantages, and therefore must be promoted vigorously. “CITEM is committed to promoting the HIMS sector in markets in need of quality services,” Ocampo said. “Our industry possesses the talent and the know-how to drive growth for these global enterprises. Our efforts to highlight these proficiencies will continue without waning.”
In March of this year, CITEM supported the HIMAP-led Philippine Healthcare US Roadshow, an initiative composed of a business mission and exhibitor participation in the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society’s Annual Global Health Conference and Exhibition 2025. CITEM focused on the business mission, co-organizing facility visits in the Nevada area, as well as a business and investment forum. The latter featured presentations from Philippine government officials, highlighting the advantages of pursuing growth opportunities in the country.
CITEM will continue its trade promotion efforts with the HIMS sector in 2026 and beyond. To all interested stakeholders, please contact Katrina Pineda (kcpineda@citem.com.ph) or Chol Dela Paz (cdpaz@citem.com.ph) for details on how to join future business missions and other overseas trade promotional activities.
Banner caption: HIMAP officials pose alongside delegates and industry partners during HIMSCON 2025. Image courtesy of HIMAP.