PILL PERFECT: Tuguegaraoeno student-innovators invent smart pillbox
Gab Ibis
It can be lazy to remind oneself of one’s tasks – but sometimes, a simple reminder is enough.
With medical adherence posing a significant challenge in the country, a team of young innovators introduced a groundbreaking device aimed at improving the health of Filipinos by addressing this issue head-on.
Led by Crhys Antony Reyes, a team of students from the University of Saint Louis-Tuguegarao created Pill Perfect, an innovation which reminds users to take their medications on time and aims to simplify the routine for a wide range of users.
Reyes and his team are part of more than 15 contenders at the 2024 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Expo of the Philippine Society of Youth Science Clubs in the University of the Philippines Diliman.
Priced at an affordable ₱724.00, Pill Perfect was made from 3D-printed biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA), and employs Arduino to send notifications, reminders, and alarms.
“This will send notifications for constant reminders so that [the users will] not miss their medication and at least save up money and their own time,” team member Jerah Querelle Agullana said.
Through these notifications, particular age groups including the elderly and those taking complicated medications, do not miss their prescribed doses – a common issue that can lead to health complications.
The device also targets tech-savvy young individuals, who are more adept at using modern technology to improve their health.
Currently in its early stages, the team plans to integrate features for visually and hearing-impaired individuals.
These potential upgrades include braille markings and auditory cues. Additionally, fun designs are being considered to appeal to younger users.
“We would also like to add Braille markings to Pill Perfect, so that the visually impaired may be able to use it without assistance,” Kobe Orteza, another team member said.
The innovation, although still in development, represents a forward-thinking approach to healthcare in the Philippines and is a reminder that simple steps make big leaps in healthcare and society.
“We believe that this is the most efficient way to do so, and at the same time, this is affordable. This is also of the highest quality that we may do,” said Agullana.