Why Healthcare Institutions Should Digitise Clinical Services -Minister

There is an urgent imperative for healthcare delivery institutions in the country to digitise clinical services.

This is the only they can become efficient and meet the divergent and daunting needs of healthcare service clients

This is the stance of Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako during an oversight visit in Lagos.

Healthcare delivery institutions he visited, included the Federal Medical Centre Ebute Metta; Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, and National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi all in Lagos, with the minister particularly noting the novel operation system at the FMC Ebute Metta:

“The paperless system here is remarkable and positions FMC Ebute Metta as a key player in Mr. President’s agenda to reverse medical tourism,” the minister said.

He also spoke on current initiatives of the Federal Government aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of the people, beyond the push to digitise clinical services .

“Dialysis costs have been reduced from N50,000 per session to N12,000 due to government interventions. Expanding cancer treatment facilities and raising awareness are also high priorities.”

“These expansions will alleviate pressure on existing facilities and provide more bed spaces for patients,” he explained.

Addressing Mental Health

“With the signing of the Mental Health Bill into law, we are prepared to take bold steps to prioritise mental health in Nigeria.

“This includes addressing drug abuse, supporting indigent patients, and enhancing infrastructure and technology at psychiatric institutions like this one.

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“The government is exploring a Vulnerable Support Fund in the 2024-2025 budget to assist indigent patients. We also aim to address delays in manpower approvals and encourage healthcare workers to remain committed to serving their country,”  he revealed.”

National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi

“The National Orthopedic Hospital, Lagos, is a centre of excellence, and we must continue to expand services, improve skills, and build confidence in what we do. We will explore avenues to address energy issues, rehabilitate aging infrastructure, and support the training institutions,” Salako stated.

He said the hospital’s role in reducing medical tourism by providing specialised surgeries such as spinal and hip replacement procedures, saving foreign exchange for Nigeria, was deserving of commendation..

The minister also promised that the federal government would help to address the institution’s challenges.