SMS4Health gets eHealth Award

SMS4Health, the automated patient service, was recognised as the best eHealth initiative at the first Malta Communications Authority eBusiness Awards recently.

The service, which allows doctors to send regular reminders to patients when they are due for checks or vaccinations, was entirely researched and developed by the SMS4Health team.

The award acknowledged it was a unique and innovative local web-based solution that can be applied by businesses for businesses and wider society. It was originally shortlisted from 36 nominations.

SMS4Health managing director Wilfred Galea explained the medical profession now had an easy, effective health promotion and administrative tool.

Through its automation SMS4Health removed the administrative burden, time consumption and expenses most doctors could not afford. As it was internet-based, SMS4Health could be used by any medical profession around the world.

“This online interactive system has com-bined technology with health awareness, so it is addressing people who may not be so health conscious or far too busy, to sit up and take notice of what they should be doing next to keep tabs on their health and that of their family,” he said.

Charmaine Gauci, director of the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate, stressed that as most people used mobile phones to remind them of things to do, SMS4 health helped promote a mindset that people visit their doctor for checks.

“It is important that people pick up risk factors early with diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, or hypertension, so that measures are taken to prevent further damage; 40 per cent of deaths are related to cardiovascular diseases. Much of these can be avoided by lifestyle change. Secondary prevention includes other forms of screening such as breast cancer, colorectal and cervical screening,” she said.