The telemedicine tool created by Guatemalans received the National Award Innovation (PNI) 2021, by the National Secretariat of Science and Technology of Guatemala (Senacyt).
The digital platform of telemedicine and remote monitoring, Bitmec was awarded the PNI in the Childhood and Adolescence category. Senacyt presented the winners of the eight categories at an event held in October 2021.
The Bitmec project was developed by professionals from various universities in Guatemala. Its purpose was to create a system of telemedicine comprehensive, which included the platform, a mobile app and biomedical devices, for the health care of children and adolescents.
“We have been recognized nationally and internationally, and what enriches us is giving Guatemala credit in technology and startups that have an impact, not only economically but also socially,” explained Lorena Chacón, co-founder of Bitmec.
The platform facilitates access to primary healthcare through medical devices that enable remote monitoring of children during their developmental stages. It also includes a mobile application that collects information to create a digital medical record.
In this sense, thanks to biomedical tools, the devices can measure blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, height, and weight.
Furthermore, the event included the participation of the Ministry of Economy, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Technical Commission for Industry, and the Technical Commission for... Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
“This year, Senacyt received 74 proposals, increasing citizen participation compared to previous years. This demonstrates that Guatemala is a country committed to innovation as a fundamental pillar of its development. I am grateful for the support of the partners and allies who made the National Innovation Award possible.” Innovation ”2021, for believing again in this initiative and following up with the winners so that they can broaden the horizons of their innovations to increase their impact,” explained Ana Chan, National Secretary of Senacyt.
