Nigeria’s health care infrastructures is facing significant challenges with many areas lacking access to quality medical care due to distance, cost and shortage of doctors.
The country has critical doctors to patient ratios with over 60% of it’s population living in rural areas without adequate healthcare services.
Could tele medicine be an option ?
Telemedicine is the use of digital technology to provide remote medical consultation, diagnosis and treatment, it enable professional to render services through mobile applications ,video conferencing and other digital platforms reducing the need for physical hospital visits .
Does telemedicine work in Nigeria
Some noticeable initiatives in Nigeria are as follows
Illera Eko initiatives
A pioneering effort in Lagos to enhance health care delivery
Cloud clinic
A tele medicine platform connecting patients with health provides
National health insurance scheme ( NHIS ) exploring ways to include tele clinic services
Telemedicine is increasing becoming a game changer in Nigeria,s health care system offering several benefits through
Improved access
This is by bridging the gap for rural communities providing 24/7 medical report and reducing health care disparities
Cost effective by lowering consultancy fees ,reduced hospital overhead costs and eliminating hospital visits
Increased efficiency
Enhancing patient outcomes, reducing wait times and optimizing healthcare resources
Though is not with out it’s challenges,
some of which includes
Poor infrastructure such
Unreliable power supply, limited internet connectivity and lack of technology depth.
Regulatory gaps which needs
Unified policies and reimbursement models for telemedicine services
Digital literacy
Limited access to digital devices and internet connectivity particularly in rural areas
In conclusion it is now time for Government interventions for effective working of telemedicine in Nigeria which includes
Public private partnership
Investment in digital infrastructure by expanding broadband coverage and reliable power supply
Develop regulatory frame works by establishing clear policies and reimbursement models for telemedicine services and also
Promote digital literacy by training health care professionals and patients on telemedicine platform,
Let work for universal world health coverage with the renewed hope Agenda of APC Administration in Nigeria.
– Benjamin Ibrahim writes from Lokoja, Kogi state.
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