Nigeria needs inclusive healthcare delivery system, says NGO

EHealth Africa, a non-governmental organisation, says digital innovations are needed for efficient healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Adams Thompson, chief executive officer of eHealth Africa clinics, spoke on Wednesday at the Insights Learning Forum organised by eHealth Africa in Abuja.

With the theme ‘Digital Innovation in Public Health Practice’, the event brought together stakeholders and innovators who discussed the impact and future of digital solutions in the health sector.

Thompson said healthcare delivery in Nigeria must be inclusive. He said digital platforms can break down barriers to healthcare access.

He added that although providing innovative digital solutions in healthcare is crucial, access alone is not enough.

The CEO said a supportive system is necessary to ensure that people receive the right diagnosis, treatment, and care.

“We need patient-focused health, and designing a system that really does put the patient at the centre of the decision making so that they get what they want,” he said.

“There is need for an inclusive healthcare delivery system and all hands must be on deck to achieve that.”

David Akpan, deputy director of eHealth Africa, said there is a need for digital health innovators and stakeholders to ensure that those in the rural areas have equitable access to healthcare.

“It is important to use a human-centred design approach in addressing the challenges of implementing digital health solutions, particularly in northern Nigeria,” he said.

“We must consider the users during the development phase and pilot innovations to ensure they address real needs and are user-friendly. This approach ensures that solutions are not only innovative but also practical and sustainable.

“If your grandmother gets sick and the nearest facility is two hours away, digital platforms can make it possible for a doctor to provide a first-hand assessment and prescription.

“This can even facilitate a referral process where she can be picked up from home and taken to a facility.”

Kabir Suleiman, incident manager of the Polio Emergency Operation Centre in Katsina state, said digital innovation has transformed routine data collection from hard copy to electronic formats.

He said embracing digital technology is crucial to strengthening the health system, particularly in areas where traditional methods fall short.

“Digital tools have already shown great impact, especially in disease surveillance. Real-time data sharing and decision-making have transformed our approach to managing health crises,” he said.

Suleiman called on stakeholders to embrace these advancements to ensure a more robust and responsive healthcare system.