Discussion this week was another mind-blowing experience for me. I guess I am still stuck in the rural areas of the world where there is no electricity to support many of the technological advances discussed. I'm struggling with the idea of investing in expensive equipment, when we as a world cannot take care of the basic necessities of the world.
Cell phones have a great role even in modern societies. However, those that invest in cell phone towers generally do not think about rigging them up in rural areas. I have a cousin who's training as a nurse and after their school training, they have to spend a few years on site. Most people get posted to rural areas; and she was no exception. It's no use trying to get in touch with her on either of her cell phones, but neither one works in that area. Which means that in order to use that technology to help people, the infrastructure must be developed. But how many governments will be willing to expend that kind of funds; and if they could do that, why wouldn't they have provided better facilities and basic necessities for their citizens.
Telemedicine will at some point become a highly useful technology. I can only imagine it being a luxury, however, even in a country like the United States. It involves some kind of coverage from insurance, or people with money. I can definitely not see it working in the world without the right resources. Telemedicine has a place in our world, but when it can in incorporated is a different story.
I am one of those people that believes in paying off all debt before investing in anything beyond my bare necessities. This of course is very protective here where credit is important, but in order to appreciate technology innovation and global health, i have to step outside that thinking. The world must develop regardless of those lagging.
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I don't know about cell phone towers in rural areas... I really don't want to be bothered by phone calls when I am working in those areas. I am kidding of course, certainly the world must move forward with innovation and figure out a way to make it cheaply available to the masses. Open licensing maybe?
hey gracie, i agree with you that there are reasons why it might not be possible. but when a possible solution comes up, and it can be used or maybe even is being used (albeit on a small scale), i think we should try to find ways to make it possible.
i was reading an article on handhelds for health in africa, and in the article they had pictures of rural doctors and midwives using pda's to keep track of patient info and stuff. it struck me as odd at first, but then like you, i questioned myself. pda's are highly intuitive to use. we are not so different from people in rural areas of the world. they have needs, wants, desires, capabilities, ambitions, and sometimes highly innovative solutions. i agree with you that technology can mask root problems, but at the point where it has the potential to save lives, it might be something worth adopting. but at the same time it shouldn't be forgotten that root problems like lack of infrastructure, political and social problems etc. need to be addressed for long term success. thanks for bringing this up!
Grace, you make a good point. Why develop this infrastructure when there are more pressing needs to be addressed? Governments should certainly focus their efforts in alleviating other problems but would you object to private companies coming in and donating resources to build this infrastructure? True, there may be better ways to donate resources, but perhaps it will have unforseen beneficial effects.
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