Digital Economy: Nigeria activates ‘NigComHealth’ to improve healthcare system –Minister

*Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, Minister for Communications and Digital Economy explains  NigComHealth is a telehealth service that provides a platform for Nigerians to book appointments, receive medical advice or recommendations and consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals from their homes, offices, schools and localities

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

For a more efficient, effective and accessible healthcare system, the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has activated “NigComHealth’ platform to transform the healthcare sector in Nigeria.

Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, Honourable Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Monday, May 15, 2023, unveiled the Nigeria Communications Satellite (NigComSat) Limited virtual health platform (NigComHealth) in Abuja, FCT.

Photo: Liberty TV/Radio

ConsumerConnect reports NigComHealth is a telehealth service that provides a platform for Nigerian consumers to book appointments, receive medical advice or recommendation and consult with physicians and other healthcare practitioners from their homes, offices schools and localities.

Benefits of new telehealth service platform

Prof. Pantami, represented  at the event by Prof. Sahalu Junaid, his Chief of staff, stated the telehealth platform would promote a more efficient and effective healthcare system that would be accessible to all Nigerians.

The Minister said: “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.”

Pantami also noted that the new healthcare platform would enable the consumers to harness the benefits of technology and access a broader range of medical doctors and experts to deliver quality healthcare services.

According to him, the objective of the effort is to ensure that all Nigerians can access the care they need when they need it.

He further explained that NigComHealth would bridge the gap in healthcare access and promoting health equity across the West African country.

Besides, he disclosed that access to the healthcare services would not only reduce the burden of physical hospital visits but also enhance the overall quality of healthcare services for citizens.

Minister lauds private sector partners, stakeholders

The launch of NigComHealth aligns with the Federal Government’s vision to promote digital transformation and boost economic activities in Nigeria, said Pantami.

He as well applauded the private sector partners who had collaborated with the Federal Government to make NigComHealth a reality in the country.

The Minister, therefore, urged all Nigerians to embrace the telehealth service and take advantage of the opportunities it offers to achieve the goal of promoting health equity in Nigeria.

Pantami added: “Let us work together to promote a healthier Nigeria through digital transformation.”

Telehealth, a game-changer to advance health outcomes -Canadian Envoy

Speaking at the event Monday, James Christoff, Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, said the NigComHealth would be a game-changer in improving health outcomes, especially in underserved and remote areas of Nigeria.

Christoff noted: “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.

“And the platform is also meant to provide digital health services to 1.7 million public sector workers and their families in Nigeria.”

The Canadian envoy commended both the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and Federal Ministry of Health for their vision and unparalleled commitment to promotion of technology and health innovation in the economy.

Christoff also acknowledged the collaboration between the two Federal Ministries was an exciting example of the endless possibilities that derive from strong and growing bilateral relations, particularly in trade between Ghana and Nigeria.

Digital innovation aimed at adding value to Nigerians -NigComSat

Tukur Lawal, Managing Director of NigComSat Limited, expressed his commitment to continuously bring out innovations geared towards adding value to the lives of the citizens while leveraging technology.

Lawal said: “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.”

The NigComSat also disclosed that the digital service “will be present in all the 774 local governments in Nigeria and it’s going to cost less and reduce medical trips abroad for check-ups.”

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