By Flora Iweanya
Ondo State Hospitals intends to adopt a unified digital health system to enable it to serve patients better.
This follows Orange 94.5 FM’s recent publication “Building an Efficient Digital Health System in Nigeria: Connecting Healthcare Providers and Citizens” that detailed the lack of a viable digital health system in Nigeria.
Many healthcare facilities lack digital health systems that allow for effective management of the operations of these hospitals.
There are no digital health record keeping systems, no digital payment modules and platforms that allow health workers to easily exchange data among departments to service patients.
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.
Countries like Ghana made significant strides in adopting a digital approach to healthcare.
Some facilities have digital health records and patients can get their identities verified using their national ID card, the Ghana Card.
In some instances, health services are carried out virtually, with payments for services also made digitally.
University of Ghana Medical Centre in the capital Accra leads in this area.
By leveraging the card, Ghana has enhanced the accuracy of health records, improved service delivery, and minimized fraud in healthcare services.
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.
Dr. Kehinde Olaogbe, President of the Ondo State Resident Doctors said the report by Orange 94.5 fm which made a case for a digital health system at Nigerian hospitals has prompted his outfit to initiate steps towards such a goal.
“The report has brought to the fore the urgent need for a unified digital health system in Nigeria,” he said.
“As a doctor, I have seen firsthand the challenges faced by patients and healthcare providers due to the lack of a centralized system. A digital health card would be a game-changer in improving the quality of care and saving lives.”
“I can confidently tell you that a good percentage of our patients come from outside Ondo State and we face the enormous challenge of running tests. For some medical conditions, the treatment is continuous and when you have all the necessary information needed, it goes a long way to improve better healthcare delivery to such a patient”
He emphasized the need for collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to make the digital health card a reality. “We need to work together to ensure that this project is successful,” he said.
Dr. Olaogbe emphasized the need for the government to embrace the idea and take concrete steps towards implementing a unified digital health system. “We need to move beyond just talking about the idea and start taking action,” he urged.
“The government should establish a task force to oversee the development and implementation of a digital health card. We also need to invest in the necessary infrastructure, including internet connectivity and digital storage systems, to support the system.”
The President of Ondo Resident Doctors highlighted the importance of technology in improving healthcare outcomes. “Technology has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in Nigeria”. “With a digital health card, we can ensure that patients receive timely and effective care, regardless of their location.”
He also suggested that the government should engage with healthcare professionals, patients, and other stakeholders to ensure that the system is designed to meet the needs of all users. “We need to have a system that is user-friendly, secure, and accessible to all citizens, regardless of their location or socio-economic status,” he said.
This report is produced under DPI Africa Journalism Fellowship Programme of the Media Foundation for West Africa and Co-develop.
