PreCare - Health Care for Everyone and Everywhere

Challenge 

Basic medical care in rural areas of Africa often fails due to inadequate mobility. In the sub-Saharan region, for example, distances to the nearest large town can sometimes be up to 600 kilometers. Prompt treatment of the sick, the early detection and prevention of epidemics, and appropriate healthcare for the entire population therefore present major challenges.

Solution

Within the framework of the PreCare project, a cost-effective platform for mounting on pickup trucks was developed, which makes pre-clinical examinations, tests and vaccinations possible even in remote areas. The care units thereby provide storage space for diverse medical devices and active substances, and contain modular elements such as a water-treatment plant, disinfectant production, a refrigerator and a telecommunications unit. Furthermore, photovoltaic modules and a battery enable the platforms to operate self-sufficiently. 

Added Value 

As a result of its modular and universal design, the PreCare mobile platform can be adapted to the respective local and substantive requirements. Depending on the equipment configuration, the intended use can be varied. The system is suitable for establishing primary healthcare in remote areas or for setting up community healthcare programs. Furthermore, it can be utilized for the monitoring of infectious diseases and, consequently, for the early detection of epidemics, as well as for first aid in the event of a catastrophe. The mobile unit, which can also be converted into a small laboratory, provides valuable, flexible support for widely differing aid organizations and even for animal and species protection. Moreover, the platform can be used for testing new products in areas where access is difficult and for research purposes.