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Early Detection and Prevention System (“EDPS”)
Dalit Solidarity, Inc. has recently entered into a licensing agreement for the use of EDPS, the computer diagnostic system that is designed to provide a probable diagnosis of disease, based on symptoms presented by the patients. It functions as a first line of intervention, providing the patient with a written probable diagnosis and recommendation to a physician when necessary. EDPS also makes recommendations regarding the necessity for laboratory testing or recommendations regarding appropriate home treatment.
EDPS was developed by the George Foundation, a non-governmental charitable organization registered in both the United States and India. Like Dalit Solidarity, the George Foundation is dedicated to the welfare of Indians from socially and economically disadvantaged background. EDPS is in its sixth year of development and implementation in the rural area outside of Bangalore. Technical support for the system is provided by eMEdex Online LLC, USA. In 2003, the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation, submitted a highly favorable report on EDPS. The study found the system’s sensitivity to be over 90% across all diagnostic categories.
Trained EDPS operators will be located at St. Mary’s and at each satellite clinic. They will also visit at least one village each day so that the health care needs of the women and children can be addressed on a regular basis. All EDPS operators will have completed the nursing assistant’s course offered at St. Mary’s and will be able to provide health care education and advice to the villagers during their daily visits.
It is anticipated that within three years, approximately 48,000 women and children will be enrolled and participating in the WACH program.
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