By The Nigerian Government has launched a Virtual Healthcare Platform “NigComHealth’ to provide quality service delivery in the healthcare sector across the country.
The platform is an initiative of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited, NIGCOMSAT in partnership with with Ethnomet Technology in Canada.
NigComHealth is a telehealth service which provides a platform for Nigerians to have direct access to medical doctors and receive medical advice or recommendation and also consult with physicians and other healthcare practitioners from their homes, offices schools and localities.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Pantami unveiled the virtual health platform “NigComHealth” in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Pantami who was represented by his Chief of staff, Professor Sahalu Junaidu, said the platform would promote a more efficient and effective healthcare system that could be accessible to all Nigerians.
” This will also improve the capacity of our healthcare professionals to deliver quality services, by leveraging technology to reach out to patients in the remote areas with less cost and physical stress. NigComHealth is a significant milestone in our efforts to improve the quality of life of all Nigerians.
“This platform will enable us to harness the benefits of technology and access a broader range of doctors and medical experts to deliver quality healthcare services, thereby ensuring that every Nigerian can access the care they need, when they need it,” Pantami said.
He said NigComHealth would bridge the gap in healthcare access and promote health equity across the country.
The Minister also said access to the services would not only reduce the burden of physical hospital visits, but also enhance the overall quality of healthcare services for citizens.
Digital Transformation
Pantami said the launch of NigComHealth aligns with the Federal Government’s vision to promote digital transformation and boost economic activities in Nigeria.
The Minister commended the private sector partners who had collaborated with the government to make NigComHealth a reality.
“I also urge all Nigerians to embrace this service and take advantage of the opportunities it presents to achieve our goal of promoting health equity throughout the country. Let us work together to promote a healthier Nigeria through digital transformation,” Pantami said.
The Candian High Commissioner to Nigeria James Christoff, said the platform will be a game changer in improving health outcomes especially in underserved and remote areas.
“The technology has been developed with the vision and strategic objective of having over 80 Federal and State owned Government hospitals coexist on the platform. The platform is also meant to provide digital health services to 1.7 million public sector workers and their families in Nigeria,” he said.
He however commended both the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy and the Federal Ministry for Health, for their vision, and unparalleled commitment to the promotion, technology and health innovation in Nigeria.
According to Christoff, the collaboration was an exciting example of the endless possibilities that could be derived from strong and growing bilateral relations, particularly in trade between Ghana and Nigeria.
The Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT Limited, Tukur Lawal expressed his commitment to continuously bring out innovations geared towards adding value to the lives of the citizens while leveraging technology.
“The platform will be available even for those who do not have smartphones. And as we roll it out we will give more details on how people can register, how they can subscribe. It will be present in all the 774 local governments in Nigeria and it’s going to cost less and reduce medical trips abroad for medical check up”, he said.
Ms Garntte Weber of Ethnomet Technology, said the technology was designed for all government hospitals to onboard their health care professionals and offer digital health services to the people of Nigeria.
“All government employees and their families can take advantage of the platform anytime and anywhere.
“The Nigcomsat team is empowering the pharmacies and health care centers with Internet and engaging the many participating organizations”, she added.
The NigComHealth platform is regarded as the first African digital healthcare platform with some essential features such as Doctor’s web and mobile app, patient’s app, ePharmacy integration, eLaboratory integration, broadband bundle for complete healthcare center automation and many more.
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