Afridoctor is an African-designed mobile application for smart phones that enables people to diagnose ailments via mobile technology, with the help of a panel of doctors. It is a platform to increase the accessibility of health-related content.
“Afridoctor is Africa’s first personal mobile health clinic, turning your device into a powerful first aid information kit, a doctor-location service, and an emergency distress notifier,” says the developing team. Afridoctor provides useful first aid tips on a variety of topics ranging from dog bites, burns, and fever to seizures and kitchen safety.
There are also a number of questionnaires available to help users determine their risk for conditions such as strokes, hypertension or cancer; encourage them to give up smoking or drinking; and establish a possible case of clinical depression. A series of health calculators based on user input also helps users to work out their likely blood alcohol level, healthy weight and basal metabolic rate, among other things.
3 key features:
- Mapping feature
The mapping feature pinpoints the location of the user via Google Maps, and supplies them with information on clinics, hospitals, doctors and other related health services in their area, saving them time and effort.
- Distress feature
The distress feature notifies the user’s next of kin of their distress and location.
- Snap Diagnosis feature
Allows the user to take a photo of anything which is visible externally, such as a scar or rash, which can the be attached with a brief description. Afridoctor will then give the user feedback within 48 hours.
At the moment the application is only compatible with the N-series of Nokia handsets; however the Afridoctor team is working on ways to make it more widely accessible in South Africa and the rest of the continent, so that the people who need the service most have access to it, including those who are in a remote location or cannot afford to see a doctor.
Source: SAGoodNews ; Slideshare; Image Source: Bandwidthblog
