Federal Govt, Ethnomet Partner To Launch Digital Healthcare Platform

Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) in partnership with Ethnomet, a Canadian firm in healthcare technology launched ‘NigComHealth’, a telemedicine platform that will allow millions of Nigerians to have access to quality healthcare.

NigComHealth will transform the way patients and healthcare providers connect by providing convenient and accessible medical consultations by licensed healthcare professionals anytime, anywhere via mobile app.

The minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami unveiled NigComHealth in Abuja.

Speaking at the unveiling of NigComHealth in Abuja, the minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami said, the platform would promote a more efficient and effective healthcare system that could be accessible to all Nigerians.

The minister, represented by chief of staff, Professor Sahalu Junaidu, noted that, the current situation is worsening, with each physician attending to more than 5,000 patients, saying the new telemedicine platform combines innovative technology with advanced medical tools and pre-vetted licensed healthcare practitioners, enabling virtual medical visits that are secure, efficient, and personalised.

Pantami added that, “to bridge the gap, there is an urgent need to leverage on the disruptive technology to improve access to healthcare services and quality medical practitioners available within Nigeria and across the globe.

“Therefore, NigComHealth Platform is a timely solution that could ensure that quality healthcare services are available to all Nigerians, irrespective of their locations.”

He further encouraged stakeholders in the health sector, both public and private to onboard into the initiative.

The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. James Christoff said the platform will be a game changer in improving health outcomes especially in underserved and remote areas.

“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. The platform is also meant to provide digital health services to 1.7 million public sector workers and their families in Nigeria,” he said.

He applauded both the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy and the Federal Ministry for Health, for their vision, and unparalleled commitment to the promotion, technology and health innovation in Nigeria.

The managing director of NigComSat Limited, Engineer Tukur Lawal said, the platform will reduce the massive capital flight spent by Nigerians on medical tourism annually.

He opined that the platform will provide Nigerians with the opportunity to access affordable and world-class services from professionals regardless of their geographic location, without the need to travel to urban areas.

CEO, Ethnomet, Ms. Garnette Weber described the digital health solution as a demonstration of the Nigeria government’s commitment to leveraging innovative technologies to provide quality and accessible healthcare for Nigerians in all regions.

Weber said: “telehealth has proven to be very effective in addressing healthcare challenges as indicated in the Commonwealth Fund’s International Health Policy Survey of Primary Care Physicians.

“In 2022, general practitioners from 10 different countries reported that 52 per cent of encounters would have been clinically appropriate through video interactions with patients. Telehealth services improve health resource utilisation and access to care.”