[e-drug] SMS texting and drug quality in West Africa (5)

e-drug
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E-DRUG: SMS texting and drug quality in West Africa (5)
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I only can emphasize the comments given by Rob Verhage. The one thing I
would like to add is that it should not be forgotten by decision makers that
this technology will buy some time only till counterfeiters will set up their
own SMS texting system in parallel. Sofware for text messages is easily
accessible since many years and the hardware fits in each living room.

Yours sincerely

Richard Jähnke, PhD
Project Management

Global Pharma Health Fund e.V. (GPHF)
Otto-Meßmer-Straße 1, 60314 Frankfurt, Germany
Head Office: T +49-69-962387-600, F +49-69-962387-609, info@gphf.org
Project Office: T +49-69-46939-662, F +49-69-46939-852,
richard.jaehnke@gphf.org

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E-DRUG: SMS texting and drug quality in West Africa (6)
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Going forward, electronic systems are going to be crucial for a wide array
of applications in healthcare delivery across the developing world as they
provide a means of obtaining real-time information on happenings in various
health value-transmission chains. Furthermore, cellular networks, for
instance, have been instrumental in scaling some infrastructural challenges
in many sectors of developing countries' economies and health should be no
different. The key challenge is ensuring that public and private actions are
coordinated to maximise synergies and thereby to optimise best outcomes.

With regards to Dr. Jahnke's concerns below they do not apply to the SMS
authentication systems proposed for most developing countries. In these
initiatives the "call-in" number is never printed on the pharmaceutical
pack. The call-in number is publicly advertised. This is akin to a host of
call center applications for critical and emmergency public services such as
ambulances (eg. 999 in the UK). Any counterfeiter who openly sets up a
parallel number and undertakes a publicity campaign shall be doing the
system the great favour of leading the authorities to the lairs and hideouts
of anti-social elements.

Generally speaking, e-health and m-Health auxiliary-infrastructure are
appendages to the mainstream health system that should be scrutinised on
whether they introduce "new efficiencies" into the structure of value
delivery. Where they represent parallel mechanisms, vigilance would be
warranted with a view to dissuading extra burdens and costs on an already
overstretched system.

Thanks all,
Bright Simons
Bright Simons <bbsimons@mpedigree.net>