In many markets disruptive innovation and technologies that were once the domain of developed countries with extensive University and private research networks have been overtaken and surpassed by developments in emerging markets.
If “necessity” is the mother of all invention, then there is no greater necessity than access to quality healthcare in developing nations and it is this fact that is driving innovation at a pace that developed countries just cannot compete with.
Mobile Health solutions are not only a necessity due to long distances, lack of infrastructure and high clinician to patient ratios, but they also make the most sense in nations where the mobile phone is the key communications device for individuals, business and sometimes entire communities.
This focus on mHealth, lack of hang-ups with existing infrastructure and communications legislation and will to bridge the gap in quality care with developed nations has been the catalyst for incredible growth. So much so that it’s now worthwhile and even advisable to be looking to developing nations for simple, efficient and effect solutions to global health problems.
If this is an area of interest or you are simply looking for a great primer resource for the mHealth market than have a look at the Mobile Health Solutions for Developing Countries 2010 published by the International Telecommunication Union (a United Nations Agency).
The report is 122 information packed pages and does a great job of capturing the requirements of an emerging mHealth market, outlines the technical aspects of the infrastructure requirements and provides excellent real world examples from a diverse group of emerging and developed nations including Algeria, India, Russia, Uganda and Nepal.
Resources:
Find the complete report online and available for download here,
Visit the International Telecommunication Union site here.
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