HealthTech

The evaluation covered the period 1986-4/89. The project has made very effective use of private sector expertise for product development. The best examples of success are two major injection technologies: "SyringeLOCK" developed with Becton, Dickinson, and Company, and "SafeTject" with Horizon Medical Packaging. At the same time, the project has been careful to ensure that public sector interests are protected. There is no evidence that technologies owned by the implementing agency, Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH), have been pursued when superior alternatives were found. Nevertheless, the project will face a continuing struggle to resolve conflicts of interest between the public and private sectors. The project has been incredibly successful in moving new primary care technologies through the various stages of development. This is largely due to previous PATH/A.I.D. joint projects which established a technology resource. The project has developed effective management techniques for motivating personnel, overseeing and reviewing progress, and controlling costs. PATH is well-managed, but will need to review continually its management and strategic goals as the organization evolves into a much larger enterprise. It is recommended that the project be extended for 3 years with appropriate funding. It is also recommended that: all future technology agreements have a minimum 5-year term; A.I.D. provide adequate funds for field testing; and PATH seek ways of interfacing more effectively with USAID"S as well as with UNICEF, WHO, and similar agencies.