Project to boost current TB cure rate

By Chanel September
10 November 2006


Local government plans to boost the TB cure rate with a new hi-tech service device.

The seven month pilot project is called a SIMpill

This product contains a communication device attached to the bottle to remind patients to take their TB medication daily.

If patients fail to take their medication the company will send a reminder via SMS and if the SMS a caretaker will be notified.

In the Western Cape 48 000 people are infected with TB in the province with more than half in Cape Town.

The system is being tested by three clinics in the province.

Health MEC in the Province Pierre Uys says that if it shows that there is a increase in the cure rate and patients adhere to the project it’s something to consider.