Action Groups

Our recent investigation into the health services in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam led to calls for action on several fronts. We propose to set up Action Groups (AG) within the HTTTG to address each technical aspect. These Action groups would comprise a Chair, who would form the group, with the intent of reviewing commercially available equipment, evaluating whether such equipment is appropriate for the designated task, and if not, developing specifications and proposing new R&D that would satisfy the specifications. 

A scoping report is projected by 3 months, the evaluation at 6 months, and proposed R&D specification, if required, by 12 months. Any Intellectual Property arising from such considerations would be the property of individuals concerned. Draft reports authored by the AG will receive an HTTTG report number and be open for comment by HTTTG members. However, the final report will not be altered or reviewed in any way. Such reports will provide the basis for funding requests. The authors may choose to publish their reports as they wish. HTTTG will simply use these reports as independent, expert opinion on which to develop further actions in the way forward.

AGs are needed in the following topics:

1. Telemedicine

2. X-ray source and imaging

3. Ultrasound source and imaging

4. Basic blood chemistry analysis

5. Palliative radiotherapy

6. Pap smear testing

The first phase of HTTTG action is to identify key technical needs in a specific location. This has now been completed with reference to the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. The second phase is now to recommend appropriate equipment and training to satisfy these identified needs. The third phase is to fund the purchase or development of the required equipment and its installation as a demonstration model in the Mekong Delta. The widespread adoption of the technology then becomes a matter for the Vietnam Ministry of Health and international funding organisations.

23 July 2007