Love Affair

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:

1. Around three-quarters of the world’s inhabitants now have access to a mobile phone.
2. The developing world is more mobile than the developed world.
3. Mobile applications not only empower individual users, they enrich their lifestyles and livelihood and boost the economy as a whole.
4. Near ubiquity brings new opportunities.
5. Engaging mobile applications for development requires an enabling ecosystem.
6. 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.