Innovation

World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that many health-care equipment designs in developing countries are not compatible with the facilities in those countries. Thus, Vscan Access, the third generation in Vscan portfolio, has been designed specifically to meet the situation in Indonesia. The design is focused in human-centered, which is to meet the needs of simplicity, durability, clinical utility, and affordability.

• Simplicity. Vscan Access is easy to learn and use, as most of the targeted users of the devices are the primary healthcare workers and midwives. The device uses intuitive touch-screen and local language capability.
• Durability. The device uses battery-powered, has weight that is less than two kilograms, damage-resistant screen and drop-tested dust-proof exterior. The design enables Vscan Access to move and is durable in tough situations. This is compatible with the targeted markets in Indonesia, which are located in rural areas that still have limited access to electricity.
• Clinical Utility. Vscan Access is equipped with innovative application to educate mothers and bluetooth wireless data transfer for further referrals.
• Affordability. It has low price and GE supports the usage with integrated training services.

This innovation is designed and built for primary health care workers, midwives, and paramedics in Indonesia, so it will help them to assess pregnancy risks early and recommend the right treatment for them.

Inspiration

The inspiration behind the creation of Vscan Access is aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in creating Good Health and Well-Being, where by 2020 it is hoped that maternal mortality as one of the most common health issues can be addressed and tackled.

Overall impact

Vscan Access has contributed to the improvement of health-care access for many pregnant women in Indonesia. Since the issue of high maternal mortality number is not only happening in Indonesia, but also in other developing countries, thus the device would also be used worldwide. Mrs. Ani Rahardjo said, "The device will be suitable to help the Government in countries with high maternal mortality number".

Business benefit

Vscan Access strengthens GE’s positioning as a company that commits to build a sustainable health-care system through advanced health-care innovation technology and solutions to the country’s healthcare issues. The device model can also be marketed in other developing countries.

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Social and environmental benefit

GE continues to increase public access to quality healthcare in Indonesia. The issue of high maternal mortality number in Indonesia is very critical and the existence of the device will potentially contribute to the decrease of the maternal mortality number. At this time, the device has been penetrated in many private markets in Indonesia and it is hoped that the device can also penetrate to public market through government’s e-katalog of healthcare devices so it will contribute to the greater public good. “We do hope that the benefit of the device can be perceived by Indonesian people across the country”, said Mrs. Ani Rahardjo.

Interview

Ani Rahardjo, Healthcare Government Affairs and Policy Leader – GE Healthcare Indonesia