Patients will find it easier to understand doctors’ prescriptions with an app to be launched early next year, says UWC.
The artificial-intelligence-powered MzansiMed-Rx is being developed by UWC’s School of Pharmacy and department of linguistics and Stellenbosch University’s department of computer science.
“Through real-time and culturally relevant translation of medicine instructions in South African languages, the app aims to ensure that patients better understand their medicine regimens, regardless of their linguistic or hearing abilities,” said Dr Mariam Parker from UWC’s School of Pharmacy at UWC.
The project is funded with a R1.6 million grant from the South African Medical Research Council with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Grand Challenges, according to Dr Parker.
The app would help to “break down language barriers in health care and promote equitable access to health services throughout South Africa”, she said.
The public can test a prototype of the app and complete a survey to stand a chance being invited to its launch.
