Durban Digital Diaries

Podcast 6: How not to innovate in healthcare technology implementation and innovation

In this episode of Durban Digital Diaries, we dive deep into the complexities of healthcare innovation with Nameetha Panday, ex-Chief Digital and Transformation Officer at Lenmed Group. With over two decades of experience in digital transformation and change management across industries, Nameetha shares her insights on common pitfalls in healthcare innovation. We discuss real-world examples of failed initiatives, uncover the challenges of balancing innovation with a risk-averse healthcare culture, and explore strategies to overcome resistance to digital transformation. Join us as we learn how to innovate thoughtfully and effectively in healthcare.

Podcast 5: Design thinking in health technology and innovation

In this episode, we explore the crucial role of design thinking in technology implementation within the healthcare sector. Our guest, Michael Awood, Chief Technology Officer for Disability and Assistive Technologies at UCT MedTech, brings a unique perspective to this discussion.
With his background in occupational therapy, digital healthcare and business administration, Michael offers insights into how design thinking can drive innovation in medical technology and improve patient outcomes. We shall delve into his experiences at UCT MedTech, his work in biomedical engineering and his vision for the future of healthcare technology.
Design thinking is a human-centered approach to innovation and problem-solving that integrates the needs of people, the possibilities of technology, and the requirements for business success. It emphasizes empathy, ideation, prototyping and iterative testing to develop creative solutions to complex problems. Join Michael and I as we delve into this fascinating aspect of technology development from a human-centered perspective.

Podcast 4: Frugal innovation in Biomedical Engineering as the potential answer to health-centric solutions in South Africa

This podcast explores the cutting-edge intersection of biomedical engineering and frugal innovation, showcasing how South African ingenuity is reshaping healthcare in resource-constrained environments.
In this episode, we sit down with Sarah McEwan, a pioneering biomedical engineer at the forefront of frugal innovation in South Africa. Sarah shares her insights on developing affordable, sustainable, and high-quality healthcare solutions tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities present in the South African context.
Throughout this engaging discussion, we delve into what frugal innovation is and its critical role in addressing South Africa's healthcare needs. We provide some concrete examples of biomedical engineering projects that embody frugal principles and their impact on local communities. We look at the distinctive approach required when designing for South African healthcare compared to solutions from more developed nations. We also chat about the challenges that arise from implementing frugal biomedical innovations and the strategies to overcome them. We close by looking optimistically to the future of healthcare in South Africa and the pivotal role local engineers can play in this evolution.
Sarah brings a wealth of experience and a passion for leveraging local talent and resources to create meaningful change. Her perspective offers a unique blend of technical expertise and cultural understanding, emphasizing the importance of context-specific solutions in biomedical engineering.
This episode not only highlights the innovative spirit of South African biomedical engineers but also inspires listeners to consider how frugal innovation can be applied to address pressing healthcare challenges. Whether you are a healthcare professional, an aspiring engineer, or simply curious about the future of medicine in South Africa, this podcast offers valuable insights into how doing more with less can lead to significant and pivotal healthcare solutions.
Join us as we explore how South African biomedical engineers are redefining healthcare innovation, one frugal solution at a time. Tune in to this latest podcast and be part of the conversation shaping the future of healthcare in the nation.

Podcast 3: Shaping the minds and paths of young technology enthusiasts for frugal healthcare innovation

Welcome to Durban Digital Diaries, where we explore the innovative minds shaping our country's technology and healthcare landscape. Today, we're thrilled to have Fanie Ndlovu, a true catalyst in Durban's digital revolution. As a Developer Advocate, Tech Coach, and founder of VarsityGenie, Fanie has been instrumental in nurturing the next generation of tech talent.
With five Microsoft certifications under his belt and a passion for community building, Fanie has empowered over 2,000 individuals with digital skills, including women, high school students, and learners with special needs. His work at the intersection of social entrepreneurship and technology education has not only caught the eye of tech giants like Google and Microsoft but has also earned him numerous accolades.
In today's episode, we'll dive into Fanie's insights on frugal and novel innovation in healthcare, exploring how his efforts are paving the way for young innovators to address real-world challenges. Join us as we uncover the potential of technology to transform healthcare in underserved communities, guided by one of Durban's most inspiring tech mentors.

Podcast 2: The real value of AI in (emergency) medicine

In this captivating episode, we explore the potential and real-world applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, with a special focus on emergency medicine. Our guest, Dr Kamlin Ekambaram, a specialist emergency physician and PhD candidate in biomedical engineering, shares his invaluable insights on how AI is revolutionizing patient care and optimizing healthcare delivery. Throughout the discussion, Kamlin shows us how it can assist emergency physicians in making more accurate diagnoses and providing tools for efficient patient care. He also sheds light on the operational benefits of AI and addresses the challenges of implementing AI in healthcare, particularly in resource-limited settings. Looking towards the future, Kamlin offers his vision of how AI will transform emergency medicine and healthcare delivery in the coming years. Join us for this engaging and informative episode as we uncover the real value of AI in healthcare and its potential to revolutionize emergency medicine.

Podcast 1: The ethics and legality around health technology implementation in South Africa

In this thought-provoking debut episode of Durban Digital Diaries, we dive into the complex and crucial topic of the ethics and legality surrounding health technology implementation in South Africa. Our guest, Dr. Meshandren Naidoo, PhD, brings his wealth of expertise to the conversation, shedding light on the challenges and considerations that arise when integrating cutting-edge technologies into the healthcare system.