February 22, 2019
iMOKO assessed for funding boost
A Māori-designed internet-based health service could be on track for public funding.
The Ministry of Health and the Accident Compensation Commission have commissioned an independent study evaluating the use of iMOKO.
The system developed by Kaitaia clinician Lance O’Sullivan enables trained teachers at participating kōhanga, day-care centres and schools to securely send health information about students with common conditions such as head lice and strep throat to be assesed by a digital health team working in Auckland.
Around 15,000 children are live on the service.
iMOKO chief executive Jodi Mitchell says consistent government funding would help make the service sustainable.
She says iMOKO fits closely with the government’s goals around improving Māori and child health and 86 percent of the children registered with the service are Māori and Pacific and are often from impoverished areas around the country.
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