Information Communication Technology (ICT) heralds
transformation and expectation of gaps redemption.
ICT has pervaded every aspect of modern societal
life. In every domain of knowledge, societal
activity, and social intercourse, ICT has played
pivotal roles in its connectivity, efficiency, and
efficacy. Notwithstanding gaps and shortfalls, every
country scrambles to be on the bandwagon of the
e-readiness capacity and capability.
The
apparent positive and enhancing impact, of e-savvy-ness and
e-readiness, of a nation or of a business organization, on
information communication and service requisition, augers well for
the continuing advancement of ICT. The health industry and its
business entity are no exception. Nevertheless when compared with
other industries such media and entertainment, ICT diffusion in the
health industry has been somewhat lagging and mediocre. Consequently
there is plenty of unrealized potential in delivery system in health
information and health care, especially at the primary level, hence
extending to the community health care and services. This sentiment
is persistently and ostentatiously echoed and recorded by the World
Health Organization.
Their
most recent report, The World Health Report 2008, clearly augments
their concerns and clamors for urgent reforms in the health care and
delivery systems, especially in the developing and poor countries.
Less we forget,
approximately three quarters of the world population are in
dire need of urgent help to survive and live in a dignified
way. The changing challenges of globalization do
unfortunately structure some negative societal impacts
primarily due the fast pace of competition. The “Law of the
Jungle” operates in many facets of intense competition.
Provision of adequate health care and services provides
glaring example of this ever-widening disparity between the
“have” and “have-nots”. Central to this disparity gap is the
accessibility and procuring of health information. Having
China as the major manufacturing and production centre of
electronic goods, fundamental economic principle dictates
cheaper production of ICT devices, including those with
mobile communication capacity. The real challenge is for
every authoritative governance entity to capitalize on this
rather fortuitous serendipity, to equip citizens with
affordable ICT gadgets and tools. Open Sources fraternities,
Good Samaritan organizations, philanthropic entities, and
kind hearted billionaires, are known to offer connectivity
devices and their concomitant applications to impoverished
nations. Thus leveraging on ICT for societal social-health
enhancement of wellness and quality of life is a reality.
Gladly,
IOMC platform has certainly
enhances rapid and instant medical and health knowledge exchange and
dissemination. I treasure this experience which ultimately throws an
expanding illuminating beacon of light towards knowledge for all
mankind.
