Introduction

The DTU Hackathon was a whirlwind of caffeine, code, and collaboration. Our team set out to tackle the critical issue of limited access to reliable healthcare information in India. In just 24 hours, we built MedSage, a user-friendly website that empowers individuals with essential details about their medications.

The Challenge

Millions in India face challenges accessing qualified doctors, especially in rural areas or during off-hours. This lack of access creates a barrier to obtaining reliable medication information, crucial for informed decision-making. We saw an opportunity to bridge this gap by leveraging technology.

Building MedSage

1. User Interface & Functionality:

Frontend: We prioritized a clean and intuitive user interface built with HTML, CSS, and Javascript.
Image Capture/Upload: Users can either capture a picture of their medication directly (if the browser supports it) or upload an image from their device storage.
Disclaimers & Safety: We emphasized disclaimers throughout, clearly stating MedSage is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

2. Information Retrieval:

Backend: Python with Flask served as our backend framework for secure information retrieval.
Data Source: We connected to a reliable database of medication information sourced from credible medical resources and government agencies.
Image Processing (Optional): For captured images, we explored using OpenCV (a Python library) for basic image processing (optional, depending on implementation time).

3. Future Vision:

While the initial focus was on medication information, we envisioned incorporating functionalities for personalized health insights in the future:

Users could confidentially enter details about their health concerns.
The application would analyze this data (with clear limitations communicated) and offer a basic fitness level report and personalized health tips.

Lessons Learned & Challenges

Time Constraints: 24 hours is a tight timeframe! Prioritization and efficient collaboration were crucial.
Data Security: Building a secure platform for user data and medication information was paramount.
Content Accuracy: Sourcing accurate and reliable medication information was essential.

Conclusion

MedSage is a testament to the power of innovation within a limited time frame. We are proud to have created a resource with the potential to empower individuals and improve healthcare information access in India. The journey continues – we plan to refine MedSage and explore further development based on user feedback.

Call to Action

We invite developers, designers, and healthcare professionals to join us in shaping MedSage's future. Let's work together to bridge the gap in healthcare information access and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health.