Lagos To Bridge Gap In Access To Health Services

In a bold move to ensure equitable access to healthcare for its residents, the Lagos State government has commenced onboarding stakeholders in the health sector on the concept of the Lagos State Health Information Platform (Lagos SHIP), a digital healthcare platform designed to boost healthcare services by leveraging Interswitch’s robust technology infrastructure.

The platform aims to create a comprehensive health information system that bridges the gap between patients and healthcare providers, offering a seamless and efficient way to access a wide range of healthcare services. Lagos residents will be able to book appointments, pay for consultations, access medical records, and purchase medications with ease using the platform.

At a forum organised by the state government and Interswitch Group on Thursday, in Lagos, the Lagos State commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, emphasised the transformative potential of data-driven healthcare solutions, stating that the Lagos SHIP initiative will create enhanced experiences for all healthcare stakeholders and enable residents to access quality healthcare services.

Prof Abayomi further stressed the importance of collaboration in healthcare, noting, “By embracing the Lagos SHIP, we can streamline healthcare operations, reduce administrative burdens, and make more informed decisions. These improvements translate into cost savings and better resource allocation, ultimately enhancing the quality of care and improving patient outcomes.

“We are living in a time of rapid transformation in healthcare, driven by advancements in technology and a shift towards more informed and involved patients. The Lagos SHIP initiative, a joint effort by the Lagos State Government and Interswitch Group, is designed to revolutionise healthcare services in the state by connecting patients to doctors, streamlining patient care through electronic medical records, and solving operational challenges.”

The commissioner disclosed that stakeholders and partners in the Lagos SHIP include the Lagos State Government, eClat Interswitch, medical providers and practitioners in the private and public sector, health insurers and management organizations (HMOs), policymakers, economic planners for resource allocation, researchers, the international community, digital service providers and innovators, residents of Lagos State and medical tourists or users from outside Lagos.

“The Lagos SHIP which sets sail with the earlier concession agreement signing and this stakeholders’ engagement is in line with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to access to quality, efficient and equitable healthcare delivery service in Lagos and Universal Healthcare Coverage.

“The Lagos SHIP allows us to imagine together into the future, the Speed of patient data migration and connectivity, data mining and trend analysis for policy and research, early warning systems and emergency management, training, virtual clinics, robotics and AI solutions, global hub of virtual connectivity, international collaborations, multiple opportunities for digital innovative solutions, cost efficiencies, regulation and clinical governance,” he said.

The managing director of Interswitch e’Clat, Dr. Wallace Ogufere, stated that Interswitch, through its healthcare subsidiary Interswitch e’Clat, is working with the Lagos State Government to improve health outcomes in the state. As a development partner and supporter of the government’s developmental agenda, Dr. Ogufere envisages a future where the Lagos State health sector will serve as a model not only for other states in Nigeria but across the continent and beyond.

“Through Lagos SHIP, we will support the Lagos State Government in unlocking the potential of electronic medical records, securely leveraging data from public and private hospitals and allied locations. This will facilitate improved experiences for stakeholders across the board, from healthcare administrators to medical professionals and patients,” he noted.

By leveraging advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, virtual care, wearables, data analytics, and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), Lagos SHIP will redefine the way healthcare is delivered, accessed, and experienced,” Dr. Ogufere added.