By Flora Iweanya
For many Nigerians, accessing healthcare is a challenge that often goes beyond just finding a doctor or a hospital. The frustrations of navigating a fragmented healthcare system where health records are scattered, and services can vary significantly from one region to another have prompted growing calls for the government to introduce a single digital health card. This card, envisioned to store all essential health information in one place, could streamline access to care no matter where a citizen is located. For many, it’s a lifeline they feel is long overdue.
Chika, a mother of two living in Idanre, Ondo State, vividly recalls the day her young son suffered a severe asthma attack while the family was visiting relatives in Ibadan. “It was a terrifying experience,” she says, her voice tinged with the anxiety she still feels. “My son started wheezing badly, and we rushed to the nearest hospital. But when we got there, the doctors had no idea about his medical history. I had to call his doctor in Ondo State to explain everything over the phone.”
Chika was stuck in a difficult situation: her son’s life-threatening condition required immediate attention, but the hospital in Ibadan had no access to his medical records. “I tried to explain that he had asthma, and I was terrified that they wouldn’t have the right information in time to treat him properly,” she continued. “But everything took so long. His doctor had to walk them through his medical history while we waited. I felt helpless.”
This situation, she believes, could have been avoided. “If we had a digital health card that stored all his medical information,his diagnoses, medications, emergency contacts,I wouldn’t have had to go through that stress,” Chika adds.
“A single card that could be used anywhere in the country would have made everything easier. It could have saved time, and in an emergency like that, time is everything.”
Also Tubosun, a farmer from Ondo State, has had his own frustrating experiences with Nigeria’s disjointed healthcare system. Living in a rural area of Ilaje Ese-Odo local government area, he often finds himself having to travel long distances to access healthcare. But the real struggle begins when he has to provide his medical history. “I’ve been suffering from recurring malaria, and there was one time I visited a clinic in a nearby village,” he recalls. “I went in feeling very weak, but the doctor didn’t have any of my previous medical records. I had to explain everything from scratch and they ordered more blood tests which put more cost into my pocket.”
His visit to the clinic was just the start of a tiring, time-consuming journey. “I waited for some long hours for the test results to be ready, and by the time it eventually came, I was exhausted,weak and felt like I was dying.The whole process could have been quicker if they had my medical history.”
The frustration is clear in his voice, “If I had a digital health card, I wouldn’t have had to keep explaining myself. All my records would have been right there, available anywhere I go. The doctor would have known what I had been treated for before and could have acted faster.”
Tubosun’s experience reflects the gaps in the healthcare system, especially in rural areas, where resources are limited and hospitals often lack a centralized system to access patient data. For him, a digital health card would mean the difference between quick, efficient treatment and unnecessary delays.
Taking a cue from countries like Ghana
Ghana has made significant strides in adopting a digital approach to healthcare through its Ghana Card, which integrates a variety of essential services, including healthcare, into a single digital platform. The Ghana Card is a biometric identification system that not only serves as a proof of identity but also connects citizens to essential government services such as healthcare, education, and social security. This card enables healthcare providers to access patients’ medical histories, personal details, and treatment records efficiently, ensuring that citizens receive appropriate care without unnecessary delays.
By leveraging the card, Ghana has enhanced the accuracy of health records, improved service delivery, and minimized fraud in healthcare services. The card’s integration with health data allows medical professionals to offer personalized care based on complete and up-to-date information, even in remote or underserved areas. This is especially important in a country where healthcare access can be a challenge due to geographical and infrastructural barriers.
Ghana’s success in the deployment of the Ghana card highlights the potential benefits for Nigeria as it looks to build its own digital health system. By taking inspiration from Ghana’s experience, Nigeria could develop a similar system that not only improves healthcare delivery but also ensures better national planning and resource management.
Reaction of NIMC on Building an Efficient Digital Health System in Nigeria:
As the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) plays a critical role in the development of a national digital infrastructure in Nigeria, the focal person Dr. Alvan Ikoku expressed strong support for the initiative of building an efficient digital health system that connects healthcare providers and citizens. “The integration of healthcare with digital identity systems is a logical and essential step forward for Nigeria,” said Dr. Ikoku.
“By leveraging the National Identity Number (NIN) and linking it to health data, we are not only ensuring that citizens can access healthcare services with ease but also strengthening the security and privacy of patient data.”
He emphasized that Nigeria’s digital health transformation will require seamless collaboration between various sectors, especially the healthcare and technology industries. “NIMC’s role in this is pivotal as it will provide the foundational digital identity system that can facilitate access to healthcare services, including registration, patient history, and treatment records,” he added. Furthermore, the focal person acknowledged that successful implementation of such a system would require addressing challenges such as internet connectivity, public awareness, and infrastructure development, particularly in rural areas. “We are committed to working with other stakeholders to ensure that these challenges are overcome and that every Nigerian benefits from the digital health revolution,” the NIMC focal person concluded
Expert Opinions: A Glimmer of Hope for Reform
The frustrations of everyday Nigerians like Chika and Kofi are shared by many healthcare professionals who understand the immense potential that a digital health system could offer.
Dr. Ken Oluseye, a Lagos-based general practitioner, sees firsthand the complications caused by a lack of unified health records. “In my practice, I frequently encounter patients who don’t have their medical history with them,” he explains.
“This makes treatment difficult, especially in emergencies when time is critical. A digital health card would solve that problem.I have had a patient rushed in from an accident scene, I and the nurses struggled to pick exactly where to start from because of the unavailability of his medical record and he was unconscious, we just did what we had to do but unfortunately he passed away”
Dr. Oluseye adds that a unified digital card would not only improve the speed of care but also enhance the safety of medical practices. “If every healthcare provider had access to a patient’s complete medical history, it would drastically reduce the risk of errors. A system like this could potentially save lives.”
Ondo State Hospital Management Board’s Response
To further understand the impact of this issue, I reached out to the Chairman of the Ondo State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, who provided insight into how the state’s hospitals are grappling with these challenges. “We face similar issues here,” Dr. Fasonranti admits. “Patients often come to our hospitals without sufficient medical history, and this delays treatment because we have to start all over with tests and questions. If we had a digital health card that was recognized across the country, we could instantly access the necessary information to provide faster and more effective care.”
He believes that the digital health card could not only improve the quality of care but also make hospitals more efficient in their operations. “We’ve seen first-hand how much time and resources are wasted on administrative tasks, like searching for patient records. A national digital health card could save us all that effort and allow us to focus on what truly matters: the patient’s health.”
Conclusion: A Future of Efficient Healthcare for All Nigerians
Chika, Tubosun, and countless others have experienced the frustrations of Nigeria’s disjointed healthcare system. They know that the time it takes to gather medical information, or the uncertainty of not having access to one’s health records, can make the difference between life and death. For them, a digital health card isn’t just an idea, it’s a necessity.
With support from healthcare professionals, analysts, and healthcare administrators the dream of a unified digital health system is closer to becoming a reality. The question now is whether the Nigerian government is willing to take the necessary steps to create this transformative change. For the millions who rely on the healthcare system every day, the need for this digital solution has never been clearer. It’s time for Nigeria to make healthcare accessible, efficient, and responsive to the needs of all its citizens.This report is produced under the DPI Africa Journalism Fellowship Programme of the Media Foundation for West Africa and Co-Develop.