The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Healthcare

  • Firm gives affordable healthcare, others

    Firm gives affordable healthcare, others

    Digital health solutions company, myAdvantage Health Africa, has reiterated its commitment to quality and affordable healthcare, with relaunch of its product, myAdvantage, with a 100 per cent cash-back guarantee.

    The product, launched in February 2022, offers individuals medication coverage for over 30 common ailments, including chronic conditions as diabetes and hypertension.

    The relaunch is aimed at addressing a major barrier to healthcare access—concern that money spent on health coverage is wasted if the individual doesn’t get ill.

    Speaking at the event, Founder, Abimbola Adebakin, said the company is introducing a policy of full refund after 365 days for anyone who doesn’t use their plan during the year.

    He noted it provides access to free medication, teleconsultations, and state health insurance coverage, while covering ailments, from malaria to more complex chronic diseases.

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    “We were the first to establish an online pharmacy seven years ago, and we’ve continued to break grounds with initiatives as myPharmacy, a franchise chain of pharmacies,” Adebakin added.

    Senior Vice President of Market Access, Olawale Oladigbolu, said the goal of the product is to bring quality healthcare.

    “Our goal is to provide quality health care and quality nurses to Nigerians at a cheap rate.

    ‘‘We will work with road transport workers, colleges, universities, politicians to ensure people access quality health care system, myAdvantage will provide a coverage  of medicine access.’’

    We are looking at bringing affordable health care to the comfort of our customers,” he said.

  • ‘Competitive healthcare boosts development’

    ‘Competitive healthcare boosts development’

    Experts in the health sector have advocated a competitive healthcare system to enhance regulatory capacity to ensure effective healthcare regulation and boost development.

    This was made known at the pre-summit webinar in preparation for the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (#NES30), organised by Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), with the theme: “Strengthening Healthcare Regulatory Bodies in Nigeria”.

    National Coordinator of the Unlocking Healthcare Value-Chain Initiative, Dr. Abdu Mukhtar,  noted healthcare contributes three to four per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a stark contrast to 17 per cent in United States and 15-20 per cent in Europe.

    He underscored the necessity of a robust healthcare system for national stability and competitiveness.

    Mukhtar outlined the government’s healthcare reform plan, anchored on effective governance, improved population health outcomes, unlocking healthcare value chain, and enhancing health security, particularly in pandemic preparedness.

    The plan, covering 2022-2026, includes cross-cutting themes as regulation, financing, and digitalisation.

    He discussed the Presidential Initiative to unlock healthcare value chain, launched in October 2023. This initiative involves 20 key regulatory agencies and five ministries and aims to increase local pharmaceutical production, reduce medical tourism, and attract investment.

    Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, , and Steering Committee member of NESG’s Health Policy Commission (HPC), Dr. Oyebanji Filani, noted the role of a strong healthcare system in national development.

    Read Also: ‘Our goal is for every Nigerian to access adequate healthcare’

    He noted the impact well-resourced regulatory bodies can have on public safety, investor confidence, and healthcare quality, saying addressing challenges can foster an environment conducive to healthcare development, which aids economic advancement.

    Deputy Registrar of Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr. Victor K. Gbenro discussed  MDCN’s role in regulating medical education and upholding standards in medical training and practice.

    She also addressed resource gaps that hinder the council’s ability to double the number of medical graduates.

    Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, noted importance of local pharmaceutical manufacturing.

    She said manufacturing 70 per cent of pharmaceuticals locally and importing 30 per cent would allow for better monitoring and adherence to good manufacturing practices.

    Healthcare Quality Specialist, Dr. Ajibike Oyewumi, emphasised the importance of enhancing regulatory capacity through training, technology adoption, and establishing strong public-private partnerships.

  • Sygen, ORx Pharmaceuticals forge strategic alliance to transform Africa’s healthcare

    Sygen, ORx Pharmaceuticals forge strategic alliance to transform Africa’s healthcare

    Sygen Pharmaceuticals Limited, based in Lagos, and Canadian ORx Pharmaceuticals Corporation have announced a landmark collaboration to form Sygen-ORx Biosciences, a transformative joint venture aimed at advancing healthcare in Africa. Sygen-ORx Biosciences is set to revolutionise healthcare by addressing pharmaceutical drug security challenges through innovative collaboration.  This partnership merges ORx Pharmaceuticals’ cutting-edge expertise and patented technologies in drug development with Sygen Pharmaceuticals’ commitment to scientific rigour and innovation.

    ORx Pharmaceuticals, affiliated with the Toronto Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, North America’s leading postgraduate institute for pharmaceutical technology and research—is renowned for its dedication to advancing medical science and enhancing patient care. With a track record of delivering transformative therapies and earning industry recognition, ORx Pharmaceuticals brings a wealth of experience to this venture. Sygen Pharmaceuticals, celebrated for its pioneering approach and commitment to healthcare excellence, complements ORx’s strengths, creating a powerful synergy aimed at delivering groundbreaking healthcare solutions in Africa.

    Sygen Pharmaceuticals has cemented its role as a leading force in improving healthcare in Nigeria by developing high-quality medications and expanding access to innovative treatments. In a groundbreaking move, Sygen has partnered Canadian ORx Pharmaceuticals Corporation to form Sygen-ORx Biosciences, a joint venture poised to drive significant advancements in the pharmaceutical sector.

    This collaboration unites the vision, expertise, and commitment of both organisations to enhance patient outcomes and address critical challenges in pharmaceutical drug security.

    By combining their resources, knowledge, and capabilities, Sygen-ORx Biosciences Limited aims to accelerate the development and commercialisation of pioneering therapies, meet unmet medical needs, and broaden healthcare access for patients globally.

    As outlined in their agreement, the JV will focus on improving formulations of generic pharmaceuticals. The emphasis will be on products with clinical efficacy, regulatory approval, and a history of commercial success.

    Also, Sygen-ORx Biosciences will spearhead innovative drug discovery programs and work to reduce costs while increasing access to high-quality branded generic medicines throughout Africa. In addition to launching the joint venture, Sygen and ORx will offer substantial support to Sygen-ORx Biosciences, drawing on their extensive experience in global drug discovery, development, commercialisation, and distribution. This support will harness their expertise to foster open innovation in early-stage drug discovery, aiming to expedite the development of novel therapies and drive advancements in the pharmaceutical field.

    Read Also: Lagos, Interswitch partner on tech-driven healthcare

    “Sygen-ORx Biosciences will build upon the foundation of excellence established by ORx and Sygen, ushering in a new era of healthcare innovation. With a shared commitment to scientific excellence and integrity. Sygen-ORX Biosciences is positioned to make a significant impact in the healthcare landscape, shaping the future of medicine for generations to come,” said Dr Alexander MacGregor, ORx Pharmaceuticals CEO.

    “Collaboration is at the heart of our mission at Sygen Pharmaceuticals, and we are excited to embark on this transformative journey with ORx Pharmaceuticals.  As Sygen ORx, we have the opportunity to amplify our impact and drive innovation in healthcare, ultimately improving the lives of patients in Africa and beyond. Through our partnership, we can leverage our strengths to deliver impactful solutions that address critical medical challenges and advance patient care,” said Charles Ogunwuyi, Sygen Pharmaceutical CEO.

  • The digital pulse: How technology is redefining healthcare in Africa

    The digital pulse: How technology is redefining healthcare in Africa

    • By Adebimpe Afolabi

    When you think about healthcare innovation, you might imagine futuristic hospitals in London or San Francisco. But right here in Africa, a quiet revolution is reshaping how people access care, powered not by expensive machines, but by simple, intelligent software.

    For years, the story has been the same: patients waiting in long queues, hospitals overwhelmed with paperwork, and medical staff buried under repetitive administrative tasks. It’s a system that struggles to keep up with the growing population and the increasing demand for quality healthcare.

    Then came the shift

    Across Africa, digital technology is rewriting the healthcare script; one web application, one data system, one innovation at a time.

    From queues to clicks

    A few years ago, booking a hospital appointment often meant taking a day off work or waiting hours to see a doctor. Today, in some hospitals, patients can book consultations online, receive automated reminders, and access their medical history securely all from their mobile phones.

    The technology behind this isn’t overly complex. It’s built on familiar tools: modern web frameworks like Django, nodeJs, database systems like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and user interfaces designed for simplicity. What matters most is how they’re applied, to remove barriers and restore efficiency to healthcare delivery.

    Digital appointment systems, health record portals, and telemedicine platforms are cutting waiting times, streamlining communication, and helping doctors see more patients without compromising quality. In a continent where every second can mean the difference between life and loss, that’s a quiet but powerful revolution.

    Why it matters

    Africa’s healthcare challenges aren’t just about medical shortages; they’re about systems. Too often, resources exist but fail to reach those who need them most because processes are slow, disconnected, or manual.

    Digital technology offers something we’ve never had before: visibility and control.

    Hospitals can now analyse patient flow in real time. Governments can spot disease trends faster. Patients can access care without the weight of bureaucracy.

    And the best part? Many of these solutions are homegrown, designed by African engineers, product managers, and innovators who understand the local realities of connectivity, affordability, and culture.

    A new healthcare mindset

    The future of healthcare in Africa will not be built only in laboratories; it will be built in code.

    Imagine a system where an expectant mother in Ibadan can book antenatal care with one click, where hospitals in Nairobi can share anonymised patient data securely for research, and where rural clinics in Ghana can use AI chatbots for early diagnosis support.

    We’re not far from that future. The building blocks are already here: in web-based scheduling systems, mobile diagnostics tools, and data platforms connecting doctors and patients across regions.

    But technology alone isn’t enough. We need policies that prioritise innovation, collaboration between private tech firms and public health institutions, and sustained investment in digital infrastructure. When those align, Africa’s healthcare transformation will not just catch up with the world, it will set new standards.

    The human impact

    At the heart of all this innovation is a simple truth: technology should make healthcare more human.

    When a mother no longer waits six hours to see a doctor, when a patient receives timely reminders for medication, when a hospital administrator can focus on care instead of paperwork, that’s the real win.

    Digital tools are not replacing doctors; they’re empowering them. They’re helping hospitals serve more people with less friction. They’re turning data into decisions and time into healing.

    The road ahead

    Africa’s digital health movement is just beginning, but its potential is limitless. If we continue to nurture local innovation and connect our health systems through technology, the next decade could redefine healthcare delivery for millions.

    Healthcare is not just about medicine; it’s about systems that work. And technology, when built with empathy and purpose, is the most powerful medicine of all.

    • Adebimpe Afolabi is a Software Engineer
  • LMC’s advanced nuclear medicine facilities ‘will revolutionise healthcare’

    LMC’s advanced nuclear medicine facilities ‘will revolutionise healthcare’

    Lovewold Medical Centre (LMC) is set to revolutionise healthcare, reducing the need for medical tourism with its state-of-the-art nuclear medical facilities. This announcement was made at the International Loveworld Medical Symposium on Radionuclide Therapy and Oncology: “Evolving Role of Nuclear Medicine and Personalised & Precision Medicine.”

    Nuclear medicine, which utilises radioactive substances for diagnosing and treating diseases, is a key focus for LMC. Dr. Anthony Oseghale, chief Operating officer, noted the centre’s advanced technology aims to provide Nigerians with top-tier medical care. “Consider the cost of a flight ticket out of the country for medical treatment. Here, you can receive the same advanced care without additional expenses of travel and accommodation,” said Dr. Oseghale. “We have invested in cutting-edge technology to ensure Nigerians access trusted, comprehensive care right.”

    The symposium saw the introduction of LMC’s latest acquisition – Gamma Camera, a pivotal tool in nuclear medicine. This technology is expected to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, providing benefits to transform healthcare in Nigeria and beyond. “In the past six months, we focused on perfecting our processes rather than publicity,” Dr. Oseghale added. “The care we provide speaks for itself, as our patients have been our greatest advocates.”

    Dr. Oseghale emphasised LMC’s vision is to lead the healthcare industry by offering holistic, accessible and best-in-class services. “Our mission is to deliver compassionate care through innovation and technology. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures quick and accurate diagnoses, and our comprehensive in-house facilities offer all medical services under one roof.” The centre collaborates with many Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs), including Lifesaver HMO, to extend affordable, high-quality care, thereby reducing the need for medical tourism.

    Read Also: We’ll ensure quality healthcare for every Nigerian – Akpabio

    Dr. Emeka Eze, Clinical director, described nuclear medicine as innovative, cost-effective and having minimal side effects. “Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects all fast-growing cells, nuclear medicine targets only damaged or inflamed cells. This precision reduces side effects, hospital stay and treatment costs,” he explained. Nuclear medicine has proved effective in treating conditions as thyroid disease, cancers, and arthritis. “It’s a game-changer for arthritis, especially as more Nigerians face this condition due to lifestyle changes and obesity,” Eze said.

    Dr. Deola Phillips, executive chairman, concluded the symposium by reaffirming the centre’s commitment to advancing radionuclide therapy. “Our state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging and personalised treatment plans across multiple specialties aim to provide each patient with care tailored to their unique medical needs,” she said.

    Born from the vision of Rev. Chris Oyakhilome, president of Loveworld Inc., the multi-specialist hospital strives to innovate and expand its capabilities to meet evolving healthcare needs. “We are dedicated to ensuring our community receives comprehensive and compassionate care close to home, living up to our mantra – ‘Advanced, Trusted, Wholesome Care,’” Dr. Phillips said. With these advancements, Loveworld Medical Centre is poised to impact healthcare, offering hope to patients battling various cancer and other diseases.

  • Adolescents, young Nigerians demand improved access to quality healthcare

    Adolescents, young Nigerians demand improved access to quality healthcare

    The African Network of Adolescent and Young Persons Development (ANAYD) has said that adolescents and young people in Nigeria are eager to take responsibility for their health and work with the government to improve access to critical services for their health needs.

    The demand came on the heels of the presentation of ANAYD’s adolescents and young persons-tailored program implemented in Anambra, Benue, Kaduna, and Cross River States, supported by Initiative Sankofa d’Afrique de l’Quest (ISAQ) at a national stakeholders roundtable hosted by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) on Tuesday.

    According to Aaron Sunday, ANAYD Executive Director (ED), from extensive science-based interactions carried out with key stakeholders, concerns and demands of the targeted young key populations, otherwise referred to as persons who abuse drugs, young female sex workers, young men who have sex with men, and also the transgender.

    He pointed out that in addition to persons with special needs as well, adolescent girls and young women, the project also aims to ensure adolescents can access services like sexual and reproductive health education, HIV testing, family planning, and gender-based violence support without discrimination, regardless of their diversity.

    In the course of the project that aims to promote and integrate public health-related services for adolescents and young people in their diversity, the ED noted that findings exposed the concerns of the targeted population on access to quality healthcare services, while stigma and discrimination remain a huge challenge to their mental health.

    “Adolescents and young people have special needs and these are vulnerable groups that oftentimes might not be able to go to the facility to take services without out-of-pocket expenditure, and most times, they rely on their parents.

    “So, irrespective of where these services are offered, whether at the community, Local government, or even within the urban setting, we just want to ensure that the health service providers are equipped with the knowledge and the right skills to be able to offer them services without discrimination and also without being judgmental to them”, Sunday said.

    Given the prevailing economic situation, Sunday stressed the importance of continuous support and resource allocation, saying, “The government has already made commitments to address key issues, but we must extend these efforts beyond the initial four states.

    “We are seeking additional resources and collaboration to ensure a health system that is accessible and available for all young people.”

    He, however, expressed optimism that changes might not take long to begin to manifest with NACA showing commitment to engage the stakeholders on some specifics while some State governments have already made commitments based on the project’s findings, such as Anambra that pledged to set up a youth-friendly health centre.

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    On her part, while highlighting the findings of the report, Agnes Dogara, Programme Lead for ANAYD, however, said consultations with young people revealed they are more than willing and ready to take charge of their health and are calling on the government to scale up strategies to improve healthcare access in their communities.

    One key area that needs more support is addressing the negative attitudes and stigma from healthcare providers when serving adolescents, especially vulnerable groups like young key populations, said Dogara.

    She emphasised the need for continuous training and retraining of providers to address this issue, saying, “It would be beneficial for the government to focus on continuous training and retraining of healthcare providers to address stigma and discrimination”.

  • Healthcare and diseases in Nigeria

    Healthcare and diseases in Nigeria

    Sir: Healthcare delivery in Nigeria has experienced progressive deterioration as a result of weakened political will on the part of successive governments to effectively solve several problems that have existed in the sector over the years. Most health workers leave the country for good because of the insensitivity of government towards the health sector and unwillingness to address myriads of problems in the sector. The public healthcare system runs on primary healthcare facilities; general hospitals and teaching hospitals are either underfunded, not supervised or not well managed. Several outbreaks of diseases have shown that the healthcare system lacks medical intelligence, surveillance.

    Statistics show that drug manufacturers and pharmacies in Nigeria hiked drugs by over 150%. Common anti-malaria drugs have gone beyond the reach of many Nigerians. Nigeria is witnessing more morbidity and mortality, as well as recycling of poverty among the majority of the population. A responsible government that has value for human lives will do all it can to subsidize the prices of essential commodities, life-saving drugs and services. The nature of our healthcare services is a reflection of the culture we found ourselves in. Just like we demand new things and change our fashion, sometimes we demand new drugs, miracle cure or the magic bullet. We must not take tablets for every ailment; the practice of relaxation exercise, change in diet or lifestyle modification could be the magic. We must begin to ask our doctors the right questions – must I require another prescription? Must I take these drugs? Every drug has contra-indications, side-effects and interactions.

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    Nigeria has a high burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Malaria, TB, HIV/AIDS constitute a big challenge. Malnutrition is also common with astounding rate at 43.6%. Disease burden is the impact of a health problem on a given population, and can be measured using a variety of indicators such as mortality, morbidity or financial costs. Progress in reducing the burden of diseases has been at a standstill endangering lives and perpetuating a vicious cycle of inequity. Some of these diseases like malaria, which is preventable and treatable, still affect many who are vulnerable due to poverty and limited education.

    The World Health Organisation has lamented that the burden of diseases in low-income countries is high. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is an agelong proverb that has come to explain the health of citizens in Nigeria. Nigerians are hungry and it impacts their well-being. ‘A healthy nation is a wealthy nation’ – the absence of a decent wage in the country underscores the irresponsibility of governance and care, high cost of living and inability of the masses to access medicare.

    •Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu Awka

  • How technology can transform Nigeria’s healthcare landscape

    How technology can transform Nigeria’s healthcare landscape

    In the landscape of healthcare, the fusion of data and technology emerges as a cornerstone of progress. Innovations such as artificial intelligence, telemedicine, and mobile health applications herald a future where healthcare seamlessly integrates with technology, promising not only efficiency but also personalised and accessible services tailored to individual needs.

    In Nigeria, a nation grappling with a burgeoning population and strained infrastructure alongside a shortage of medical professionals, technological solutions emerge as transformative catalysts. Embracing data-driven healthcare, powered by electronic medical records (EMRs), empowers physicians with real-time insights into patient care, enhancing coordination and reducing errors—a pivotal stride towards efficient healthcare delivery in a resource-constrained environment. Moreover, technology transcends geographical barriers, extending specialist care to remote regions through telemedicine and fostering effective collaboration between physicians and patients via health apps. This digital revolution ensures that critical care reaches every corner of Nigeria while empowering healthcare providers to harness artificial intelligence for predictive analytics, enhancing treatment outcomes and patient experiences.

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    However, despite these strides, Nigeria’s digital health landscape remains fragmented, primarily catering to data reporting and service support rather than fostering a cohesive, standardised infrastructure. This fragmentation hampers effective data management, curbing the potential for comprehensive healthcare insights and hindering decision-making processes at all levels of the healthcare system. Recognising the imperative for cohesion, Nigeria aims to transition to a unified digital health infrastructure, streamlining data gathering, management, and service regulation. The envisioned national unified EMR platform promises enhanced efficiency, robust public health monitoring, and seamless data exchange—a pivotal shift towards comprehensive healthcare management in a country grappling with diverse healthcare challenges.

    This transition to a digital-in-health approach signifies a paradigm shift, emphasising the seamless integration of digital technology and data across all facets of the healthcare system. By prioritising evidence-based digital investments, integrating regulatory frameworks, and fostering sustainable partnerships between the public and private sectors, Nigeria endeavours to harness the full potential of data and technology in healthcare to address the myriad challenges it faces. Indeed, the maxim “data is life” resonates deeply in healthcare, underscoring the vital role of data and technology in shaping the future of healthcare delivery. As Nigeria embarks on this digital journey, policymakers must seize the moment, recognising the transformative power of data and technology to revolutionise healthcare, for the benefit of all citizens, today rather than tomorrow.

    As Nigeria navigates the complex terrain of healthcare transformation, embracing a holistic digital-in-health approach holds the promise of not just improving healthcare delivery but also fostering equity, efficiency, and innovation in the quest for better health outcomes for all Nigerians.

  • Fed Govt to raise access to healthcare

    Fed Govt to raise access to healthcare

    Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa, has said  Federal Government will provide quality and affordable healthcare. This, he said, led to increase in allocation to health and social services in the budget.

    The minister noted the government has developed blueprint on provision of universal health coverage (UHC) aimed at “saving lives, reducing physical and financial pain, improving population health outcomes, accountability, maternal and child health, governance, affordable and quality health services.”

    Alausa spoke at the investiture of Dr Peter Ebeigbe as 23rd President of National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN), Ijanikin, Lagos.

    Read Also:We’ll continue to provide quality healthcare – Tinubu

    He said the sector and  healthcare delivery are vital to implementation of the “eight -point” agenda of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    He said  government believes “good health is core to harnessing Nigeria’s greatest asset, its human capital, and at the heart of efforts to ensure Nigerians are access improved services without financial hardship’’.

    The minister urged the college to train more specialists to provide improved health care through modern clinical practice, research, teaching; and regulating postgraduate medical education.

    Ebeigbe noted economic interventions were needed to address brain drain  and halt collapse of the health system.

    He said  the number  registering for  examinations had  reduced.

    Ebeigbe sought intervention to keep personnel back home so investment in health will not waste.

  • Nigeria’s digital healthcare sector to increase to $3.3b by 2030

    Nigeria’s digital healthcare sector to increase to $3.3b by 2030

    Despite challenges such as limited infrastructure and a shortage of healthcare professionals, the healthcare landscape in West Africa is experiencing significant transformation driven by population growth, urbanisation, and rising healthcare demands.

    According to a report by Medic West Africa, the gateway to access the subregion’s healthcare market, the region presents opportunities through investments, pharmaceutical industry development, medical tourism promotion, and community empowerment via decentralised healthcare models.

    It noted that this transformation is poised to impact the economy significantly, attracting investments, creating jobs, reducing healthcare costs, improving population health, and contributing to overall economic and social development, supported by government initiatives like national health insurance schemes, public-private partnerships, and regulatory reforms.

    “Accessible and high-quality healthcare services play a vital role in poverty alleviation, reducing mortality rates, and elevating overall living standards,” the report said, noting that key trends in West Africa’s healthcare evolution include advancements like telemedicine, mobile health, and AI applications, along with an increase in public-private partnerships to improve infrastructure and access.

    Medic West Africa, the leading healthcare event platform in the region, however, said within the region, Nigeria’s healthcare business provides great opportunities for growth with investment.

    “As Nigeria prioritises the growth of its healthcare sector, the future outlook is optimistic, to make an exciting moment for entrepreneurs, investors, together with healthcare experts to contribute to Nigeria’s health business,” the report, which was released last week and accessed by The Nation, said.

    However, in line with Nigeria’s healthcare sector’s optimistic outlook, Medic West Africa particularly said the widespread use of digital health in Nigeria is expected to increase from $700 million to $3.3 billion by 2030, representing about 10 per cent of total predicted healthcare spending, a report by Medic West Africa has said.

    Established as the primary healthcare event in West Africa, Medic West Africa which brings together healthcare professionals from across the globe, said even though digital health is still in its early stages in most African regions, including Nigeria, innovations such as smartphone connectivity, data management rules, and data infrastructure have started to transform the way African health systems operate.

    Digital health applies digital transformation to the healthcare field, incorporating software, hardware and services. Under its umbrella, digital health includes mobile health (mHealth) apps, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), wearable devices, tele-health and telemedicine, as well as personalised medicine.

    Digital healthcare plays an increasingly important role in healthcare today, and stakeholders in the field include patients, practitioners, researchers, application developers, and medical device manufacturers and distributors.

    Terms related to digital health include health information technology (health IT), healthcare tools, health analytics, healthcare informatics, hospital IT and medical technology.

    Citing Statista, an online platform that specialises in data gathering and visualisation, Medic West Africa, in its report, said the digital health industry was expected to generate $5.37 billion in revenue by 2023.

    It, however, said “Among the West African countries, the widespread use of digital health in Nigeria is expected to increase from $700 million to $3.3 billion by 2030 (four to 10 per cent of total predicted healthcare spending).

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    “These profits might be spent in other high-priority areas to improve overall health outcomes and fund the deployment and upkeep of digital health solutions.”

    The report noted that Africa’s healthcare sector is undergoing a digital transformation with impactful innovations poised to revolutionise healthcare delivery.

    Some of the innovations include virtual interactions, where tele-consultations provide efficient solutions for minor health concerns and remote monitoring empowers proactive care for chronic diseases; paperless data, where interoperable Electronic Health Records (EHRs) enhance efficiency, and AI-powered virtual assistants streamline communication and support physicians.

    Also, with innovation like patient self-management, prescription adherence systems and patient education programs empower those with chronic conditions; intelligent decision-making systems have also been enhanced, with data-driven tools and machine learning algorithms supporting physicians and enhancing care quality.

    Patient genomic analysis also personalises medication dosages, which minimise side effects. “These innovations promise to enhance healthcare access, improve outcomes, and drive economic growth in West Africa,” the report said.

    It noted that digital health tools could enable the realisation of healthcare expenditure efficiency gains. “Virtual interactions (Teleconsultation, Remote Monitoring etc) account for approximately 35 per cent of potential efficiency gains in Nigeria (up to $1.2 billion),” the report said, for instance.

    It also stated that paperless data accounts for 30 per cent of the potential efficiency gains in 2030 in Kenya (up to $700 million), 26 per cent in Nigeria (up to $900 million), and 30 per cent in South Africa (up to $3.3 billion).

    The report further gave real-time examples of newly invented products and services which, according to it, shape the region’s healthcare landscape. Some of them include telemedicine, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), AI-Powered Diagnostics, Medical Drones, and Personalised Medicine.

    For instance, with regard to AI-powered diagnostics, the report said Helium Health’s Doctoora processed over one million patient cases, adding, “AI-powered diagnostics market by 2030, if widely adopted, the increased efficiency could save Nigeria between $700 million to $3.3 billion, representing 4 to 10 per cent of the total projected healthcare spending.”

    According to Fortune Business Insights, global medical drone delivery market was valued at $1.05 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $3.62 billion by 2030.  The report said Zipline’s network delivered 40,000 blood units and two (2) million vaccines in Rwanda and Ghana

    On personalised medicine, Medic West Africa said 54gene raised over $50 million, developing personalized treatments for prevalent diseases.

    On telemedicine, the report, based on market data forecast, said the Middle East and Africa Telemedicine market is expected to grow from $4.28 billion to $7.14 billion by 2028, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.8 per cent during the following five years

    Also, Africa’s EHR market is projected to reach $2.4 billion by 2027, with eHealth Ghana, for instance, boasting digitised records for over 10 million patients.

    Overall, the report said hospitals in West Africa were expected to see substantial growth, reaching $12.57 billion in revenue in 2023, but that the market is forecast to continue growing steadily at eight (8) per cent each year, reaching $18.53 billion by 2028.

    It, however, said Nigeria’s hospitals market was expected to generate $8.21 billion in revenue by 2023, and is predicted to increase at a 9.90 per cent annual rate (CAGR 2023-2028), resulting in a market volume of $13.16 billion by 2028.

    As per the Nigeria Health Facility Registry (HFR), the rep[ort said there are 22,978 licensed healthcare facilities in Nigeria. This includes 16,359 (71.19 per cent) public healthcare facilities and 6,619 (28.80 per cent) private ones.