In continued efforts to transform healthcare in Nigeria, Onebarrow International Ltd has organised a Health Equity Conference to unite providers through technology for integrated care solutions.
Speaking during the event, titled: “Transforming Healthcare: Uniting Providers through Technology for Integrated Care Solutions” and held in Abuja, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate stated that Nigeria still tackles with numerous health challenges that require urgent attention.
Pate who was represented by Assistant Director, NGO Coordination, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ekam Ethel stated that the communicable and non-communicable diseases still remain a significant burden in the country disclosing that there was acute shortage of trained manpower which is further aggravated by the migration of the health work force for greener pasture which this present government was committed to reversing the trend.
He said that in an era defined by rapid technological advancement, it was important to recognize that innovations holds tremendous potential to bridge gaps in healthcare access and quality.
The Minister stated that telemedicine connects underserved populations with critical medical services, to data analytics that identify disparities and inform policy decisions, technology can be a powerful ally (tool) in the pursuit of health equity.
“As we gather in an era defined by rapid technological advancement, we must recognize that these innovations hold tremendous potential to bridge gaps in healthcare access and quality. From telemedicine that connects underserved populations with critical medical services, to data analytics that identify disparities and inform policy decisions, technology can be a powerful ally (tool) in our pursuit of health equity.
“However, it is essential to approach this challenge with a commitment to inclusivity. While technology can create new opportunities, we must ensure that its benefits reach all communities, particularly those that have historically been marginalized. By leveraging technology thoughtfully and collaboratively, we can dismantle barriers, promote equitable access to care, and ultimately improve health outcomes for everyone.
“The COVID-19 pandernic, which ushered in widespread acceptance of telehealth and other digital innovations in medicine, has changed the game for the healthcare sector. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation witnessed a profound lesson that transcends borders; noting that the nation must ensure that its healthcare system possesses the resilience to prepare. recover from, and absorb shocks,” he explained.
He also said that the world has come to realize that no country can afford not to invest in health as disease outbreak knows no territorial frontiers.
Furthermore, he stated that it was clear to all now that health was a fundamental right that should be enjoyed by all people and not a privileged few adding that, “Let us therefore explore how we can harness these tools not just to innovate, but to ensure that our advancement uplift all individuals, regardless of their background. Together, we can create a healthier, more equitable future for all.”
Also, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, OneBarrow International Limited and Convener, Dr. Yemi Ajao in a Pre Statement to introduce iDoctorAccess said that in healthcare, the need for seamless collaboration between providers was more critical than ever noting that, fragmentation leads to inefficiencies, miscommunication and ultimately compromised patient care.
Ajao said that the iDoctorAccess platform was designed to address these challenges by integrating all healthcare providers- hospitals, pharmacies, labs, specialist- into a unified digital ecosystem.
This demonstration according to him, will showcase how the ecosystem enhances coordination, improves patient outcome and reduces errors by leveraging technology to streamline care delivery adding that, “We believe this is not just a tool for healthcare providers, but a transformative solution that will change how we deliver care across Nigeria and beyond. Let’s explore how iDoctorAccess can drive us closer to a connected healthcare future, where collaboration leads to better patient care for all.”
He said, “What we want to do is to have a flow down and flow up conversation with different stakeholders especially from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, credentially recognized agencies and service providers to provide a good and robust conversation around the direction the Ministry is going and how we can support it to improve the quality of health outcome for every Nigerian and also to ensure that they have access to care.”
Meanwhile, in his Keynote Address, Dr. Abuyazid Bashir Nurudeen, Chief Medical Director, iDoctorAccess stated that the role of OneBarrow extends beyond just providing a technological solution saying that the Organization was working closely with Government bodies, credentialing agencies and Corporate partners to influence policies and practices that support healthcare equity.
He added that the goal was to create a healthcare environment where providers can work together seamlessly, leveraging digital tools to deliver better outcomes for patients.