IT programmer develops
Self-taught information technology specialist Kondwani Mushali says locally developed computer and mobile applications could save foreign exchange and assist Ministry of Health (MoH) trace coronavirus (Covid-19) suspects and keep data.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Mushali, who is Neytech Solutions Limited managing director, said apart from offering computer solutions and high-tech systems to online learning platforms for schools and colleges, they have built a system which health personnel can use to track Covid-19 suspects.
He said: “This is a self-screening application which can be used on the smart phone to determine whether you need to see a doctor or not.
“It also has the GPS system of people near you who can assist if you are showing signs of Covid-19.
Mushali said the application determines that the person is a Covid-19 suspect automatically and the server is able to record that and track the person if and when he/she develops Covid-19 symptoms.
MoH director of quality management and digital health Andrew Likaka said innovation works better when one understands the context, as well as existing systems.
“We are encouraging people with various ideas on digital health to link up with the MoH Digital Health Division. We believe that every idea is important to the advancement of the health sector,” he said. Likaka said currently the ministry has over 50 apps which it presented to organisations and individuals, including universities, to see where they can add value.