adminFaith Mandizha and Nicole Maturure
PHARMACIST Takunda Mukumba has developed a web-based register for digital record-keeping of transactions and filing of prescriptions of controlled drugs dispensed.
Takunda said this will replace the paper-based system of recording and reconciling usage within the entire pharmaceutical chain, from the manufacturer to the retailer.
He said the process took him six years.
He first thought of the idea in 2015 while working in a pharmacy which moved a lot of narcotics.
Takunda saw that it was too cumbersome managing the paper-based recording of narcotics and simultaneously carrying on with other day-to-day operations of the pharmacy.
Takunda told H-Metro that he began formulating the idea of a web-based narcotics system, which could also allow the medicines regulatory authorities to track narcotics transactions, in real-time.
“I immediately began the process of securing intellectual property for the concept in the form of a Utility Model and a trademark in multiple jurisdictions through the Africa Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO).
“Bureaucracy was the biggest challenge where sometimes the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) would refer me to the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and while there I would be tossed from office to office, sometimes hitting dead ends. But I persevered until I got conditional approval.
“One might argue that I brought the issue of bureaucracy forward as an impediment so that I can create a bias towards accepting WEBDD®, but I can illustrate my point using the story published in The Herald on 12 September 2016 titled ‘Pharmacist seeks court order for private pharmacy stocks database’.
“Here, another pharmacist had to engage in litigation in order to be allowed to deploy a solution that makes it easier and faster for patients to find medication that they are looking for,” he said.
In the midst of a surge in drug abuse, Takunda hopes WEBDD® would be part of the much-needed solution to monitor narcotics in the country and to prevent leakage of narcotics from the formal sector into the streets.
He said others should come up with solutions to complement WEBDD®.
“As a pharmacist and medical informatician, I would like to contribute to the efficient running of our health system by coming up with digital health solutions, and in so doing helping create jobs and contribute to our economy.
“I would like to put Zimbabwe on the map when it comes to implementing digital health solutions that benefit communities and the economy at large,” he said.
Online Reporter