New safety device for mothers, newborns at Banting Hospital

Banting Hospital has been chosen as the first government medical institution to be equipped with a safety feature for mothers and their newly born babies via the 'B-Tag and Track'.

The system is developed by the National Space Agency (Angkasa) using the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology on its peripheral devices to enable the position of the mother and baby to be detected accurately at any time while inside the ward.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said the system could increase public confidence to always choose the medical services provided by the government, especially in terms of childbirth.

Rosyati Bayet, 24, and her newborn using the 'B-Tag' at Banting Hospital today. - BERNAMA

"Although cases of baby switching is not a big phenomenon in the country, we are applying the technology development to produce a system that can help manage a branch of the service in hospital well to ensure the safety of babies while in the ward.

"Apart from enhancing public awareness on the state of the art technology, my ministry hopes the system can be extended to other government hospitals in future," he told reporters after the handing over of the 'B-Tag'.

Madius (second, right) looking at the 'B-Tag' system database at Banting Hospital. - BERNAMA

Madius said RM200,000 was allocated to develop the system under the ministry's research budget with 20 RFID sets being provided for the 'B-Tag'.

All parties needed not to worry about any hacking or intrusion into the security system as it was being monitored constantly by Cyber Security Malaysia, he added. -- Bernama