E-Health Technology has grown tremendously in the recent past and has seen momentous development globally.
Interest in e-Health has risen among countries belonging to the World Health Organisation (WHO). 58 % of WHO members have implemented specific strategies to digitize healthcare in one way or another. Kenya, as a member of WHO, is a good example as we have seen substantial developments in the E pharmacy platforms which is one sector of the E-health technology.
According to statistics by Statista data portal, 2018 saw global investments of $14.6 billion in the E-health technology sector which was 1200 % more than 2010.
What is E-Health technology?
According to Public Health Notes, E-health is the transfer of health resources and health care by electronic means. It is healthcare supported by electronics, informatics and telecommunications.
This sector is broad and cut across different areas within the health sector. It ranges from using cutting edge innovations and ICT technologies in many forms such as surgery, diagnosis nursing. E- Pharmacy is also an aspect of E-technology and we will be discussing how privacy comes into play and how MYDAWA ensures that it is adhered to.
On E-Pharmacy a lot of advancement has been made whereby, thus gaining prominence and strong foothold. In Kenya, MYDAWA is one of the companies that is offering health solutions through the E-Pharmacy
Why are people embracing E- Pharmacy?
- Quality. Quality is assured since it is a regulated industry that must adhere to the laid down checks and controls. Secondly, quality is assured since products are sourced from genuine and regulated suppliers. This, therefore, minimizes any chance of fake and counterfeit products.
- Affordability. Through their unique supply chain, E-Platforms can offer their products at very competitive rates compared to physical pharmacies. Consequently, this ensures that healthcare is affordable to many.
- Accessibility. Through their logistical model, delivery of products is at the doorstep of customers and his location thus increasing accessibility of healthcare.
- Privacy. E-technology provides privacy to all users despite the challenges that comes with the sector. Unlike the common myth in the advent of data mining, E-health platforms offer the most secure and verifiable privacy protection platform.
How privacy is maintained assured when using E-health platforms
Data protection. Data mining has become profitable and there are concerns that most organizations are exchanging it for money. Some organizations have been accused of using the data they generate from customers for personal use and blackmail.
With this in mind, your personal information and medication history are very safe especially with a Company like MYDAWA. MYDAWA for example uses SSL encryption for all its transactions ensuring that your data is safe. Your personal information and medication history are safe and secure with the company.
Through delivery. How a company delivers products to a client no matter their sensitivity is a key aspect of privacy. Many customers have decried the issue of delivery that doesn’t offer privacy. For example, at MYDAWA, delivery is made directly to customers in well-sealed and private packaging. This ensures that the content of the products is only known to you.
Use of Pharmaceutical Technologists (Pharmtecs). They are trained professionals and also licensed by Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) who deliver your products to your requested delivery points. This ensures privacy in that, not anyone can deliver your medications to you thus ensuring privacy and professionalism.
LegitScript Certification. This is a global certification that verifies internet operated by pharmacies such as MYDAWA as safe, credible and trustworthy. A LegitScript Certification is a stamp of approval to online pharmacies and other healthcare companies. It is a verification and monitoring service that maintains the world’s largest comprehensive database of regulated healthcare products, organized by legitimacy and safety. Moreover, LegitScript monitors and catalogs warnings from over 100 government agencies on an ongoing basis. It follows regulatory developments in many countries around the world
Regulation by government agencies. The sensitive nature of data in the E-health platforms calls for strict regulation by government bodies globally. In Kenya for example, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) regulates this industry with its terms of operations such as privacy for clients being key.
In conclusion, privacy in the health sector is paramount and assuring customers of their privacy constantly is vital. Companies in this industry must walk the talk and ensure data protection which is a major aspect of privacy. Finally, with progress in this sector, customers should embrace this technology for convenience, affordability and privacy since you can comfortably buy any product from your phone without revealing your identity.
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