Health institutes, Qualcomm use 3G to monitor high-risk pregnancies in Mexico

Carlos Slim Health Institute, West Wireless Health Institute and Qualcomm Inc. (QCOM) have introduced a Wireless Pregnancy Remote Monitoring Kit designed to help health professionals monitor women with high-risk pregnancies in Mexico. The kit uses 3G technology to transfer vital health information from remote locations, including the home or in basic clinics, to a central database.
The companies said the kit addresses the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals of reducing the under-five child mortality rate by two-thirds by 2015, and reducing the maternal mortality ratio by 75%. While Mexico has significantly reduced its child mortality rate, maternal mortality remains a concern.
“The current maternal mortality rate demands innovative models of care that use a systematic approach,” said Roberto Tapia-Conyer, president of Carlos Slim Health Institute. “By joining with the West Wireless Health Institute and Qualcomm, we believe we can demonstrate that the use of wireless technologies can transform the current paradigm of care, improve the quality of health services and better serve a population in need. Maternal deaths can be prevented or reduced if pregnant women have easily accessible tools that empower them to continuously interact with their physicians to timely detect signs of alarm and receive proper medical care.”
The Wireless Pregnancy Remote Monitoring Kit includes Sense4Baby, a wireless fetal and maternal monitoring prototype developed by the West Wireless Health Institute; a 3G phone; a glucometer and blood pressure meter; urine strips; and a 3G wireless embedded laptop.
“Many countries are challenged when it comes to providing adequate health care,” said Donald Jones, vice president of business development for Qualcomm. “Some of the difficulties faced include physical distance between doctors and their patients and a limited number of skilled health care professionals. Wireless technology extends the reach of doctors and can be effective in overcoming these challenges by bringing the latest medical intelligence to health care providers and their patients.”
The Carlos Slim Health Institute was created in 2007 by Carlos Slim Helu to address health problems in Latin America and the Caribbean. Slim is the CEO of America Movil (AMX) , and the wealthiest person in the world.