Appropriate Technology Health Care Solution Could Save 72,000 Lives a Year
Posted on June 3, 2013 Comments (11)
We need more medical solutions that serve the majority of humanity instead of just the rich. Some medical research is innately costly and therefore require large costs to pay back the investment. But too little concern is shown for solutions that help people (with so much focus only on solutions that will make organizations rich).
Cheap vinegar test cut cervical cancer deaths in India; could help many poor countries
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More progress against cervical cancer may come from last month’s announcement that two companies will drastically lower prices on HPV vaccines for poor countries. Pilot projects will begin in Asia and Africa; the campaign aims to vaccinate more than 30 million girls in more than 40 countries by 2020.
India continues to invest in medical research for solutions that are affordable to a majority of the world. The rich health care companies largely neglect the majority to focus on the most wealthy.
Related: Using Available Technology (Cellphone) as a Microscope – Dangerous Drug-Resistant Strains of TB are a Growing Threat – ‘Refrigerator’ Without Electricity
Categories: Funding, Health Care, Products, Research, Science
Tags: appropriate technology, Health Care, human health, India, investing, investing in science, medical research, Products
11 Responses to “Appropriate Technology Health Care Solution Could Save 72,000 Lives a Year”
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June 3rd, 2013 @ 9:47 am
Fascinating article, as a relative of a victim of cervical cancer I’d like to applaud this research. As you say, the rich pharma companies design for profit rather than utility. Hopefully, as countries like India become even more important to the world economy then priorities may change. Thanks again for a great read.
June 6th, 2013 @ 5:19 am
It is really surprising to know that such a simple technology is used in conducting this test. I was of the notion that cancers are not easily diagnosed and treated. Hats off to technology, our development and progress are all possible because of technological advancements like this.
June 6th, 2013 @ 5:53 am
I have full faith in technology, being a kid of this generation I believe technology can do anything. Technology is creating wonders everyday to simplify our lives, no doubt lives will be saved.Thanks for sharing John.
June 7th, 2013 @ 11:47 pm
I agree with Guy. The pharma co’s have to be disassembled and maybe one day we will be treating people because it’s the humane thing to do… not because it’s the lucrative thing to do.
June 9th, 2013 @ 2:23 pm
I totally agree with you. I had research position in one of the top European public R&D centers in Medical Engineering field. What I have experienced was the companies therefore public research institutes care only for the therapies only rich can pay. Moreover, due to some companies, public research centers are not interested finding the cure to some basic “poor-man” diseases since they can charge these people life-long with symptomatic therapies.
June 11th, 2013 @ 11:44 am
I wonder how many people a year would be saved from certain types of cancer if they just ate better (like more fruits and vegetables)? Technology is great though too, I just think adding more healthy foods to our diet will keep up healthier and out of the hospital more.
June 18th, 2013 @ 12:34 pm
It is not just the pharmacy companies, it is the entire health system and people’s personal responsibility. Yes, healthier living will help everyone. Yes, there are many examples of low-cost solutions that will help detect and alleviate cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and all sorts of common diseases. But because it is low-cost, there is no interest in marketing such remedies. Non-profits do an excellent job of spreading methods of how to help impoverished nations provide healthier alternatives and more diverse foods. Perhaps they can find ways to better network resources to discover and disseminate information like this simple test.
April 10th, 2014 @ 10:00 am
“Raptopoulos said the new system would be used to leapfrog the building of infrastructure, in the same way mobile networks have overtaken fixed lines in poorly connected countries…”
January 18th, 2015 @ 12:55 am
The fabric chip platform from Achira Labs in India uses looms to manufacture biological sensors will reduce costs dramatically and allow the poor better access to diagnostic health tools.
October 5th, 2015 @ 8:50 pm
Hypothermia and infection are among the top causes of newborn deaths for the poor around the world. Regular temperature monitoring can enable early intervention…
January 2nd, 2016 @ 11:15 am
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