How Lagos embraces digital transformation to improve healthcare – Perm Sec

The Lagos State Government is embracing digital transformation to improve health services for its residents, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye has said.

 Perm SecOgboye who disclosed this at the 3rd Africa Digital Health Summit held recntly at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos, noted that the key thrusts of the State’s digital strategy for improved health services revolves around supporting patients in making the right healthcare choices, and provide them with options. 

The Permanent Secretary, who was the keynote speaker at the summit, added that Lagos digital strategy also enables the people who care for patients, to understand them while providing safe and personalized care.

Speaking on the topic, “Digital Transformation of Health Systems: The Role of Collaboration and Partnerships”, Ogboye noted that Lagos digital strategy creates an environment where healthcare providers and patients can use and benefit from innovative technologies.

“The key thrusts of our digital strategy is such that preserve the patients’ trust in the healthcare system and protect their rights and information”, he said 

Ogboye in his presentation opined that Africa’s digital health landscape is evolving rapidly, with innovations and advancements changing the way “we approach healthcare delivery, access, and quality”.

He noted that Governments play a crucial role in setting policies, allocating resources, and creating an enabling environment for digital health solutions to thrive.

The Permanent Secretary added that by collaborating, sharing best practices, and harmonizing regulations, Government can create a conducive ecosystem for innovation and ensure that digital health initiatives are aligned with the needs and priorities of our populations.

“Equally important is the collaboration between public and private sectors. The private sector brings a wealth of expertise, technology, and investment that can catalyse the digital transformation of health systems. 

“By forming strategic partnerships, we can harness the strengths of both sectors and create sustainable business models that drive innovation, expand access, and improve the affordability of digital health solutions”, he said.

Ogboye also noted that collaboration between healthcare providers and technology developers is essential to design, implement, and scale up digital health solutions that are user-centered, evidence-based, and contextually relevant.

“Co-creation and co-development of digital tools, such as telemedicine platforms, electronic health records, and health information systems, can ensure that they address the unique challenges faced by healthcare professionals and meet the specific needs of the communities they serve”, he stated. 

The Permanent Secretary outlined, improved patient care through advance digital transformations as one of the benefits of leveraging technology in healthcare.

Others according to him are, enhanced efficiency of healthcare providers with digital tools, patient education and reduced medical errors through interactive platforms and lower healthcare costs through streamlined proccesses.

According to the convener of the summit, Dr. Niyi Osamiluyi, the Africa Digital Health Summit is a platform for fostering dialogue, knowledge sharing and inspiration, bringing together policy makers, healthcare professionals, researchers, technologists, entrepreneurs and innovators to collectively explore the limitless potential that digital transformation holds for Africa’s health systems.

Osamiluyi who is the Chief Executive Officer of Premier Medical Systems added that the summit will serve as a catalyst for collaboration, partnerships, and transformative action, propelling the Africa continent towards resilient and equitable digital health systems.