FG Introduces 'NigComHealth' To Enhance Healthcare Sector

The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy on Monday launched "NigComHealth" platform, to revolutionise the nation's healthcare system.

The virtual health platform (NigComHealth) from Nigeria Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited was presented in Abuja by the minister, Prof. Isa Pantami. 

NigComHealth is a telehealth service that gives Nigerians a way to schedule appointments, get medical advice or recommendations, and speak with doctors and other healthcare professionals from the comfort of their homes, businesses, schools, and communities.

The platform, according to the Minister, who was represented by his chief of staff, Prof. Sahalu Junaid, would support a more effective healthcare system that could be made available to all Nigerians.

"This will also improve the capacity of our healthcare professionals to deliver quality services, by leveraging technology to reach out to patients in the remote areas with less cost and physical stress.

“NigComHealth is a significant milestone in our efforts to improve the quality of life of all Nigerians.

"This platform will enable us to harness the benefits of technology and access a broader range of doctors and medical experts to deliver quality healthcare services, thereby ensuring that every Nigerian can access the care they need, when they need it,” Pantami said.

He stated that NigComHealth will close the healthcare access gap while advancing health equity throughout the nation.

The minister said that making the services available to the public will improve the standard of healthcare provided to all people and lessen the strain of physical hospital visits.

According to him, the Federal Government's objective to support digital transformation and expand economic activity in Nigeria is aligned with the introduction of NigComHealth.

Pantami expressed her gratitude to the business associates who had worked with the government to bring NigComHealth into being.

"I also urge all Nigerians to embrace this service and take advantage of the opportunities it presents to achieve our goal of promoting health equity throughout the country.

"Let us work together to promote a healthier Nigeria through digital transformation,” Pantami said.

NigComHealth, according to James Christoff, the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, will revolutionise how health outcomes are improved, particularly in neglected and distant locations.

“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.

"And the platform is also meant to provide digital health services to 1.7 million public sector workers and their families in Nigeria,” he said

Christoff praised Nigeria's Federal Ministries of Communication and the Digital Economy as well as the Federal Ministry of Health for their vision and unmatched dedication to the advancement of technology and health innovation in that country.

He said that the partnership was a fascinating illustration of the countless opportunities that stem from solid and expanding bilateral relationships, particularly in terms of commerce between Ghana and Nigeria.

Tukur Lawal, the managing director of NIGCOMSAT Limited, reaffirmed his commitment to continually releasing innovations that use technology to improve the lives of the populace.

"The platform will be available even for those who do not have smartphones.

"And as we roll it out we will give more details on how people can register, how they can subscribe.

"It will be  present in all the 774 local governments in Nigeria and it’s going to cost less and reduce medical trip abroad for medical check up,” he said.