Gates foundation uses SA firm for ‘TB box’
The smart pill reminder has been given to 3 800 patients in China
A SOUTH AFRICAN company has been chosen by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation to develop a smart pill box reminder for TB patients worldwide.
The pill box is designed to record every time medication is taken. It can be used by caregivers and doctors to monitor and assist patients to overcome TB by diligently taking their medication.
The Wisepill’s “smart pill box” has been aimed for distribution in China, India and Africa.
It is imperative that patients take their TB medication every day for a full six months and it’s essential that all the recommended TB tablets are taken.
Wisepill’s clever pill box has already been given to 3 800 patients in China as the first phase of a rollout which is expected to reach 24 counties in the Chinese provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangxi and Jilin in China.
Founded in 2007, Wisepill Technologies is a South African-based manufacturer of medical devices aimed at improving the health of people suffering from chronic disease.
The new pill box is specifically designed for blister-packaged TB medications, and has a built-in audio visual alarm to remind patients when to take their medication and when to return to the clinic.
The device tracks all openings and data can be downloaded and viewed by caregivers.
The Arcady Group, on behalf of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, selected Wisepill Technologies to develop and manufacture the device.
Arcady Group founder and Managing Director Bruce Thomas said: “We are grateful to the Gates Foundation for their support, and we are very pleased to have been able to help bring a new, highly affordable technology to the global fight against tuberculosis.”