A South African innovation that started out as a pilot project in the Western Cape aimed at reminding TB patients to take their medicines, is fast becoming a globally recognised solution for medication adherence. Known as SIMpill, the unique solution was developed by Dr. David Green, a general practitioner from Cape Town, as a response to the serious implications of low TB medication adherence rates in the Western Cape.

Dr. Green noted that low adherence rates were linked to the development of resistant strains of TB as well as to overall mortality rates. Together with South African cellular technology company Tellumat, Dr Green took an ordinary bill bottle and attached a SIM card and transmitter device to the bottle. Every time the bottle is opened, an SMS is sent to a central server.

If the bottle is not opened within a particular time frame, the SIMPill server sends a reminder message to the patient, a family member or caregiver. If patients don't take their medication, health workers are alerted and can call the patient or visit at home. 

Dr. Green's pill bottles were used in a pilot study carried out in Khayelitsha between 2006 and 2007 and proved highly successful, as adherence rates jumped from as low as 22% to 86% - 92%.

SIMPill has received a stream of international awards including the GSM Association's award for “best product for community needs”, the USA's annual technology showcase's “World's best Technology” award and the Dutch KPN “Innovation Award.”

Today SIMpill is being used in the UK, USA and parts of Europe by patients who suffer from illnesses such as cancer, osteoporosis, hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. The product has also shown to be popular among women who are taking contraceptives. Robert Logie of Tellumat says, “SIMPill is definitely taking off in the overseas market. Insurance companies and pharmaceuticals have shown a keen interest and the product is being used in a range of trials overseas.”

Despite the success of the SIMPill TB trial in Khayelitsha, the product has yet to be fully introduced to the South African market. “The South African medical environment is very different to that of Europe. We must take a whole new range of issues into consideration such as the impact a product like SIMPill could have on jobs in the nursing industry as well as the cost of the product,” says Logie.  

This article was published as SA innovation makes taking meds SIMPill, February 23, 2009, in South Africa – The Good News.

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