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'Talking' pharma bottle benefits sight-impaired

By pushing a button on the "Rex" prescription bottle, sight-impaired Afghan patients can hear drug contents, usage instructions, and warnings in several local dialects.

From Medivox Technologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of Wizzard Software, Rex was field-tested in Afghanistan. During a recent 30-day trial period, coalition forces in Afghanistan worked with physicians to dispense medications to patients who struggle to read dosage instructions, particularly in many remote areas of Afghanistan where patients are illiterate and rarely speak or understand English. With the push of a button on the bottle, Rex spoke in several local dialects. More than 1,500 bottles were distributed following several successful small-scale trials. Reportedly, the U.S. Army has ordered more bottles for use in other parts of the country.

Another development: Retailer Able Home Aides will be marketing Rex Starter Kits with three bottles, a recording unit, a microphone, power supply, and instructions. A Refill Kit with three additional bottles will also be available through Able's online catalog. Able is a division of Universal Consultants Inc., a supplier of assistive products that enable elderly and disabled persons to live independently.
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