Sunday, 25 September 2011

WEEK 6 - Biobusiness Revolution - Healthcare and Biomedical Sciences



 Our class started with this interesting video which depicts Microsoft's vision on healthcare in the future. (Every thing is very high-tech!) This video led to the discussion whether such provision of healthcare will increase its costs? Well, when you first think about it, it's easy to think, yes, this will all be very expensive because it is so fancy. However, the discussion in class made me realize that implementation of these services and the integration of the different technology system may be costly, just like how the iPhone/iPad was deemed as costly at first, but now every body has one.. so it could be the same logic, where once everything becomes automated and ready, all you really need is that one card to access your healthcare. This will mean that efficiency is increased - less waiting time and cost is reduced. This is a nice healthcare future to look forward to.

We also touched on the different opportunities presented in the biobusiness revolution. I think one interesting point is opportunities presented in prevention of illnesses and diseases. The business of 'wellness' is huge right now as more and more people are afraid of falling sick yet obesity continues to take over the world... however, there are more options available to help curb obesity.

As our session today was on the Biobusiness 'REVOLUTION', I found it sad to read about how the healthcare industry in USA aren't keen on disruptive technology that will make healthcare more accessible. But of course, big companies are worried about their profits should such 'disruptive technology' be made available at lower cost.

The class had several interesting presentations. I like the one on counterfeit drugs and organ trading. We had a nice debate on whether organ trading should be legal. Personally, organ trading is very much like surrogacy. Similar to most transactions, mutual consent is needed. Our debate lead to the interchangeable use of 'donation' and 'organ trading', I think there are completely different things. It is okay to donate your organs, it happens all the time, but with organ trading, it is often done in some shady and dangerous way now. I believe organ trading should be regulated to rid it of its 'shady nature'.

Class is good, I would rate it 7/10 and am looking forward to the next class!

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