Cell Phone Network for Ghana’s Doctors

Our good friend, and former Medgadget editor, Brian Levine has been working on a project in Ghana to create a cell phone network for physicians. The system provides an easy way for doctors to refer patients to specialists, access to each other’s knowledge base for consultation on clinical questions, and a way for patients to locate and communicate with their doctors. Originally started as an online tool, it was quickly realized that access to communication technology of any sort is the fundamental problem in Ghana. Brian had to change course, and partnered with a Ghanan mobile provider to put the pieces together. The project required some smart thinking to overcome local issues, such as cost, locating and communicating with physicians, and bringing everyone onto the same network. The project already boasts a registration of 1500 out of 2000 of Ghana’s doctors, and they are actively using the system as intended, helping the much needed country’s doctors to be more effective in their practices.
More from VOA News…
Listen to an interview with Brian Levine (mp3) on Public Radio International‘s The World (segment begins at 10:35)…