Health Minister Advocates Technology-driven Healthcare Transformation

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, has called for the strategic use of technology to revolutionise healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Speaking at a high-level event themed “Transforming Healthcare: Uniting Providers through Technology for Integrated Care Solutions” in Abuja yesterday, Pate emphasised that technology, when used thoughtfully, can break down barriers and promote equitable access to care, ultimately improving health outcomes for all Nigerians.

The minister, represented by Ethel Ekam, Head of the NGO Coordination Unit at the ministry, acknowledged that Nigeria still faces significant health challenges, including the prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as a critical shortage of healthcare professionals, worsened by the ongoing migration of health workers.

“In an era of rapid technological advancement, these innovations hold tremendous potential to bridge gaps in healthcare access and quality,” Pate said, highlighting the importance of telemedicine and data analytics in improving health services, particularly for underserved populations.

“We must ensure that technology’s benefits reach all communities, especially those historically marginalised,” he said.

He also pointed to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in accelerating the adoption of telehealth and digital healthcare solutions globally.

Pate stressed that healthcare is a fundamental human right, not a privilege, urging stakeholders to use technology to foster inclusivity and improve care for all Nigerians.

CEO of OneBarrow International Limited, Yemi Ajao, expressed excitement over the unveiling of the iDoctorAccess Healthcare Ecosystem, a digital platform designed to integrate healthcare providers across hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, and specialists.

Ajao noted that the system addresses inefficiencies caused by fragmented care and aims to improve patient outcomes through better coordination and communication among healthcare professionals.

“This platform represents a transformative solution that will change the way we deliver care across Nigeria and beyond,” Ajao said, inviting stakeholders to explore the potential of iDoctorAccess in creating a connected healthcare system.

Dr Abuyazid Bashir Nurudeen, Chief Medical Director of iDoctorAccess, revealed plans for future advancements in healthcare technology.

He outlined the company’s vision for integrating artificial intelligence and data-driven models to enhance healthcare delivery in the coming year.

“We are not just talking about transformation; we are actively building it,” Dr Nurudeen stated, urging stakeholders to collaborate and innovate to ensure equitable healthcare access for all Nigerians.