The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria’s healthcare system

  • ‘Trust, insurance, others vital for healthcare growth’

    ‘Trust, insurance, others vital for healthcare growth’

    Experts  have underscored the critical role of trust, financial protection, and private sector involvement in transforming Nigeria’s healthcare system at the second day of the 2025 Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) Annual Conference in Lagos.

    The Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, Vivianne Ihekweazu, moderating a session on “Building Trust in Nigeria Health Watch,”stressed that trust is not a tradable commodity but something built over time through consistent actions.

    “Trust is earned and institutionalised. Nigerians must feel confident that the healthcare system works for them,” she said.

    Ihekweazu highlighted that financial protection is a key factor in building trust, ensuring that vulnerable populationspregnant women, low-income earners, and the uninsured do not suffer due to lack of funds for healthcare.

    “When people visit a hospital, they shouldn’t worry about how to pay for care. Access to health insurance is crucial, especially for the most vulnerable,” she added.

    She also emphasised HFN’s role in aligning government policies with the private sector’s ability to deliver quality healthcare.

    Speaking at the session, Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri,  linked trust to risk management in healthcare.

    Read Also: Bago pledges to strengthen efforts in making Niger state Nigeria’s food hub

    “The lower the risk, the higher the trust in the system. Many Nigerians cannot afford healthcare, and NHIA is committed to expanding financial protection to ensure no one is left behind,” he said.

     Chairman of the National Health Facility Regulatory Agency (NHFRA) committee, Dr. Richardson Ajayi, stressed the need for stronger oversight of healthcare facilities to guarantee safe and effective treatment for patients.

    “Nigeria lacks a dedicated oversight body for healthcare facilities. We need structures that prioritise patient safety and quality care, reinforcing public confidence,” he said.

    A senior specialist at the Nigeria Forum Secretariat, Dr. Chinaekwu Ore highlighted how government policies must be domesticated at the state level to ensure effective implementation of universal health coverage.

    “We work with state governments to ensure that national health policies are properly implemented. Every state now has a health insurance law and agency because of sustained advocacy,” she noted.

  • Electronic Medical Records: Game changer for Nigeria’s healthcare system

    Electronic Medical Records: Game changer for Nigeria’s healthcare system

    In Nigeria, healthcare facilities, both governmental and private, still rely on paper-based records to document patient information, including medical history, diagnoses, treatments, and prescriptions. 

    While this system has been in place for decades, it comes with significant drawbacks that hinder efficiency and pose risks to patient care. The shift to electronic medical records (EMRs) is not just a matter of modernization but a necessity for improving healthcare delivery.

    One of the leading voices championing this transformation is Dr. Osayamen Igunma, a distinguished public health expert and EMR pioneer at Donolush Healthcare Solutions. 

    As a trailblazer in digital health innovations, Dr. Igunma has played a fundamental role in the successful integration of EMR systems within various healthcare settings in Nigeria. His innovative work has significantly enhanced patient data management, service efficiency, and healthcare continuity.

    At the recently concluded Society for Quality in Healthcare in Nigeria (SQHN) Annual Conference in Victoria Island, Lagos, Dr. Igunma shared insights on the pressing challenges posed by paper-based records. 

    “Paper-based medical records are bulky, difficult to retrieve, and prone to damage,” he explained. “During hospital renovations, mismanagement, or crises such as fire outbreaks, these records are often lost permanently, leading to fragmented patient histories. Additionally, searching for a patient’s file in a manual system can be time-consuming, causing delays in treatment and decision-making.”

    He further emphasized that the physical volume of paper records also contributes to inefficient storage management, occupying valuable space that could be repurposed for medical supplies or additional patient care services. 

    In contrast, EMRs offer quick access to patient information, significantly reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment. Unlike paper records that can be lost or destroyed, EMRs can be securely backed up and retrieved from multiple locations.

    Dr. Igunma also noted that while the initial setup of an EMR system requires substantial investment, it significantly reduces long-term costs associated with paper, printing, and storage. 

    He stated, “Physicians can track patient history more effectively, leading to better-informed treatment decisions and continuity of care.”

    To maximize the impact of EMRs, Dr. Igunma advocates for the development and enforcement of policies that encourage digital record-keeping while ensuring data privacy and security. Furthermore, he calls for targeted training for healthcare professionals to optimize the use of these systems, thereby enhancing both efficiency and patient outcomes.

    As Nigeria’s healthcare sector continues to evolve, experts like Dr. Igunma are driving crucial conversations and advocating for transformative solutions. His contributions to the digitalization of healthcare demonstrate his unwavering commitment to improving public health and patient safety.