I came across a publication by The
World Bank entitled “Mazimizing Mobile” which talks mainly about
the effect of mobile phones in the world, focusing on the use of
mobile phones in the developing countries. The report states that
mobile phones are used in developing countries more than developed
countries.
When I first saw the article, I became
really excited. The giddy feeling, excitement, fast heartbeat. And I
contemplated that yes, this is what makes me excited. The research,
the development, that may help policymakers create decisions for the
good of the country.
I will read more about the report and I
will share my thoughts on it. I’ve only gone up to the Executive
Summary and its main topics are:
- Around three-quarters of the world’s inhabitants now have access to a mobile phone.
- The developing world is more mobile than the developed world.
- Mobile applications not only empower individual users, they enrich their lifestyles and livelihood and boost the economy as a whole.
- Near ubiquity brings new opportunities.
- Engaging mobile applications for development requires an enabling ecosystem.
- The mobile revolution is right at the start of its growth curve.
Topics 2 and 3 are what I am keen on
but basically the whole topic of improving the agriculture and health
sector with the use of mobile phones keeps me on my toes.
Our thesis paper was about the
migration of nurses and its effect on the Philippines’ health
sector. Obviously, the answer is, it has a negative effect on our
health services where all our highly skilled nurses go abroad to seek
greener pastures and bringing their skills and better health services
with them. We also thought about working on the medical tourism
aspect but at that time, although the topic was good, we lacked
sources of information since it was just beginning. India was the
forerunner and the Philippines was just warming up to the idea.
I am really excited to read more on
this publication and hopefully, my love affair with Economics
(development economics to be exact) will be renewed.