The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a very important diagnostic tool for heart health. But as common as it is in the U.S. and other developed countries, the ECG is still expensive enough to be unaffordable to doctors in many third world countries. That’s why Dr. Ivor Kovic started the openECGproject, an online community with the goal to develop an open-source hardware and interpretive software solution for ECG.
As an open-source solution, the resulting ECG would be liberally licensed to grant users the right to study, change, and improve its design through the availability of its source code. Schematics to create the hardware and software to drive it would also be freely released.
If the project meets its goal, people in poorer countries could build their own affordable, safe, and clinically useful ECGs, or have someone else do it for them. Since the solution would be open and free, interested companies could start producing and selling it for a more competitive price than existing units.
The openECGproject is looking for volunteers to help in any aspect of the program. Of particular interest would be the donation of time and effort by people who have knowledge and skills in medicine, electronics, and programming. Donation of funds are also sought. For more information, go to www.open-ecg-project.org.
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