Digital Health is Inevitable in the Future of Nigerian Healthcare- Nigerian Pharmacist

By Rebecca Ejifoma

Digital health is reshaping the healthcare landscape in Nigeria and across Africa. Can you share why these changes are so significant?

Olumide Ibikunle: Thank you for having me. Technology is rewriting the rules of healthcare in Nigeria, addressing long-standing issues like infrastructure gaps, limited access to care, and workforce shortages. What’s particularly exciting is that digital tools, once considered a luxury, are now essential in driving progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Solutions like telemedicine, mobile health (mHealth), AI, and blockchain are no longer optional; they’re critical to building a modern, equitable healthcare system that leaves no one behind.

Telemedicine and mHealth have been widely discussed, especially post-pandemic. What impact have these tools had on healthcare access?
Olumide Ibikunle: The COVID-19 pandemic indeed accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, making it a lifeline for many, particularly in remote communities. In areas where healthcare facilities are scarce, virtual consultations mean patients can connect with specialists in urban centers without traveling long distances. Telemedicine platforms are revolutionizing access to care, bridging the gap for underserved regions. This newfound accessibility is essential for early diagnoses and timely treatment, which can greatly improve health outcomes.

Health platforms are also leveraging Nigeria’s high mobile penetration to deliver essential health services. For instance, apps that send reminders for medication adherence or track chronic conditions like hypertension empower patients to manage their health more independently. These tools relieve pressure on overstretched hospitals and promote preventive care, which is crucial for improving public health. Furthermore, mHealth solutions foster better health literacy, equipping individuals with knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their health.

AI and blockchain are newer to the conversation. How are they shaping healthcare in Nigeria?
Olumide Ibikunle: AI is revolutionizing diagnostics by enabling faster and more accurate disease detection. It’s powerful for analyzing large datasets to predict outbreaks, tailor treatments, and allocate resources more effectively. This is especially important in regions where healthcare systems can be easily overwhelmed by epidemics. AI helps shift the focus from reactive to proactive healthcare, which can save lives and reduce costs. For example, AI-driven diagnostic tools can screen for conditions such as malaria and tuberculosis with high accuracy, facilitating early intervention.

Blockchain, on the other hand, addresses data security and transparency issues. It encrypts patient records, ensuring continuity of care by enabling seamless sharing between providers. This technology is also transforming pharmaceutical supply chains—preventing stockouts and curbing the distribution of counterfeit drugs, which is a significant issue in parts of the Global South. According to a report by Deloitte Africa, blockchain’s potential in streamlining vaccine distribution and maintaining supply chain integrity is substantial. The traceability provided by blockchain can also enhance patient trust, as they can verify the authenticity of the medications they receive.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. What are the main barriers to adopting these digital solutions?
Olumide Ibikunle: Absolutely, while the potential is vast, several challenges persist. Unreliable internet access and power outages hinder the rollout of telemedicine and mHealth, particularly in rural areas. Without consistent electricity and broadband infrastructure, the full potential of these technologies cannot be realized. Addressing these issues requires substantial investment from both the public and private sectors.
Regulation is another major hurdle. Policymakers need to create clear frameworks for AI use and data privacy to balance innovation with patient safety. Trust is paramount, and without proper oversight, the adoption of digital health tools will face resistance. It’s essential to implement regulations that protect patient data while promoting technological advancement.

Moreover, training healthcare workers is vital. Many health professionals are not familiar with the new technologies available. Integrating digital literacy into medical education and offering continuous professional development programs can close the skills gap and ensure that healthcare workers are confident in using these tools. This training will help healthcare workers become more adaptable and capable of harnessing the potential of these innovations for better patient outcomes.

How important is collaboration in this transformative process?
Olumide Ibikunle: Collaboration is critical to making digital health a success. Governments, private sector players, healthcare providers, and NGOs all have roles to play. Public-private partnerships can scale digital solutions more effectively and sustainably. Governments must take the lead in creating supportive infrastructure and policies, while private companies need to tailor technologies to local needs, ensuring they are user-friendly and culturally appropriate. NGOs and international organizations contribute valuable expertise and funding that can accelerate the implementation of digital health initiatives.
For instance, partnerships between telecom companies and healthcare providers can help improve mobile health coverage in remote areas. Additionally, collaborations between tech firms and universities can drive research and innovation tailored to specific healthcare challenges in Nigeria. It’s also important for these partnerships to be inclusive, involving local communities to ensure that the solutions developed truly meet their needs.

Thank you, Olumide, for these insightful perspectives. It’s clear that digital health holds great promise for Nigeria’s future.
Olumide Ibikunle: Thank you for the opportunity. I remain optimistic that with coordinated efforts and a commitment to progress, we can build a more equitable and efficient healthcare system for all Nigerians.