Menga's test phase successful
A digital solution to health issues aimed at helping patients across semi-rural and suburban areas in Africa to access prescription medication without travelling long distances is being launched today. It is being unveiled in six African countries at the same time.The Menga system was developed and created by Dr. Esperance Luvindao and aims to improve the conventional methods of consultation and the acquisition of medication.
The system is being launched in collaboration with the Osaat Africa Health Foundation and the Menga Healthcare Foundation.
"With the system's development having already started years ago, the test phase was successfully carried out at Menga Healthcare's facilities.
"With the intellectual property of the concept and innovation given to Dr. Luvindao is credited, the hope is to introduce the system for public use in Namibia as soon as the legislation on telemedicine here is finalised," a media statement issued yesterday said.
The process will involve patients consulting a doctor by phone through a messaging system that does not require an internet connection, after which they will be able to access their medication through ID scanning, fingerprint scanning or a code. "If set up in local supermarkets and service stations, Menga can ensure that the entire process on the patient's side does not require internet connection," according to the statement.
However, Luvindao has started discussions with two other countries and according to the statement, the public will be notified when the implementation will begin.
"Menga aims to reduce the gap between the quality of healthcare offered to those from lower socioeconomic groups versus that offered to higher socioeconomic groups by ensuring timely consultation and access to medication."
The system promises to offer people access to a doctor and medication in a system that excludes no one. It also aims to enable patients to access their medication in their mother tongue, breaking language barriers.