Center for Health Market Innovations (CHMI)

Programs

Integrated SMS System

last updated Oct 5, 2011

Overview

Implementing organization: 
Marie Stopes Madagascar
Implementation Partner(s): 
Human Network International (technical lead), BlueStar social franchisees (test sites)
Legal Status: 
Private (not-for-profit)
Year Launched: 
2009
Stage: 
Existing/expansion stage
Income Level of Target Population: 
Bottom 20%, 20-60% (lower to lower-middle)
Technology Purpose: 
Improving Data Management › Data Collection, Streamlining Financial Transactions

Scale

Other Measures of Scale: 
From February to July 2011, 1,737 unique voucher codes had been submitted for verification via SMS.
Summary: 

The Madagascar Integrated SMS system is used for multiple service functions ‐ collecting service data from social franchisees, verifying voucher codes and conducting client satisfaction surveys. It is being tested with the BlueStar Madagascar franchisees.

Key program components: 

Service Data Collection: Social franchisees text in their monthly service data using a numeric code. They receive an automated response confirming if the data was sent in a valid format. The data is stored in an online database at Marie Stopes Madagascar for analysis. Currently, 42 BlueStar social franchisees in two provinces are participating in the SMS data collection system. Generally around 90% of franchisees provide service data in any one month. Due to difficulties in collecting accurate service data for 23 separate services in one text messages, it is proposed to reduce the data collection burden to 15 services.

Voucher Verification: When clients present themselves at franchisees with vouchers, the provider texts in the voucher code and the service delivered to confirm that the voucher code is valid. The provider receives an automated response confirming that the code is valid, and payment for the service claimed under the voucher is sent to the provider within 48 hours via their preferred mobile money operator (although the actual transfer of funds via mobile money occurs outside the SMS system). From February to July 2011 1,737 unique voucher codes had been submitted for verification via SMS (equivalent to 29% of all vouchers distributed). Of these, 599 (35%) payments were made within the target time period of 48 hours.

Client Satisfaction Surveys: Clients can opt in to complete a satisfaction survey via SMS. Each question is sent separately, once a response for the previous question has been received. All the answers are collated and viewed on the online reporting system.

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