Digital Health Revolution: Expert Urges Nigerian Govt, Stakeholders to Bridge Equity Gap with Telehealth, TechQuity

Sunday Okobi

A United States-based Nigerian healthcare technology expert, Mrs. Mobola Agboola, has urged the government at all levels and stakeholders in the health sector to become transformative forces in harnessing telehealth to advance healthcare access across Nigeria as well as promote TechQuity in the system.

She stated that the programme, Telehealth, is rapidly reshaping healthcare delivery globally by bridging both geographical and logistical gaps, adding that telehealth leverages digital tools to enable remote diagnosis, consultation, and patient monitoring—making quality care accessible even in the most remote areas.
In an interview with THISDAY recently, the Nursing doctoral student in the University of Minnesota, United States of America, stated that: “Imagine a future where robust broadband reaches even the most remote communities, and investments in healthcare infrastructure ensure every citizen has access to timely, high-quality medicare.

“Globally, the adoption of telehealth has surged, with a growing number of healthcare interactions taking place virtually. This trend did not only emerge as a necessary response to public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic but also signaled a broader, lasting transformation in how healthcare is delivered. By reducing the need for travel and facilitating timely medical intervention, telehealth paves the way for more inclusive and efficient healthcare systems.”

Agboola, who expressed commitment to bridging the gap between advanced technology and equitable care to ensure that every community in Nigeria benefits from modern healthcare solution, added that telehealth represents a sustainable innovation, redefining healthcare delivery both in times of crisis and in everyday practice as well as offering the promise of better outcomes for communities everywhere.
The nursing informatics expert, whose research work is focused on Nursing Infomatics (using digital innovation to improve healthcare access for the vulnerable population), called on the government and telecoms companies to expand broadband access and reinforce telecommunications networks in the country, especially in rural and underserved areas, adding that by doing so, the government can lay the foundation for a thriving telehealth ecosystem.
She advised the government and other stakeholders in the health sector to ensure a consistent power supply in order to achieve success with the programme. According to her, “Reliable electricity does not only keep digital health systems operational but also fosters the growth of innovative health IT solutions.
“When these elements converge, the benefits are extensive. Citizens gain access to timely medical interventions without the need to travel long distances, easing the strain on overburdened healthcare facilities. By reducing logistical hurdles and streamlining patient care, telehealth can lead to enhanced outcomes and a more efficient healthcare system overall.”
On its potential contribution to the declining health sector in Nigeria and other parts of Africa, Agboola said that according to research, telehealth is emerging as a transformative force in addressing systemic challenges within Nigeria’s and Africa’s healthcare sectors.
She added that: “National studies reveal that telehealth is expanding access, enhancing care continuity, reducing costs and wait times, and bolstering support for Nigeria’s limited healthcare resources. In recent years, the development of mobile health solutions has accelerated to relieve overwhelmed healthcare facilities and mitigate the depletion of medical resources.”
While analysing TechQuity and its importance to the health sector, the US-based Nigerian health cum IT geek said TechQuity is not a new idea, but that recently it has come to signify the strategic use of technology to promote health equity.
“Although its operational definition continues to evolve, one working definition describes it as ‘the strategic development and deployment of technology to advance health equity’. I am currently engaged in a concept analysis of this subject, which has opened my eyes to its nuanced implications. At its core, TechQuity reveals how healthcare technology can either act as a barrier or serve as a pathway to more accessible, equitable care—its impact entirely dependent on design and purpose. “It highlights the critical role technology plays in shaping social gradients in health and underscores the urgent need to eliminate structural inequities across multi-sector ecosystems. While health IT holds great promise in reducing disparities, its implementation can sometimes inadvertently sustain or even widen them if it disproportionately benefits those who are already advantaged. This is particularly important in Nigeria, where about 54 percent of the population lives in dynamic urban centres and roughly 45.72 percent resides in rural areas. In such a diverse landscape, it is essential to craft healthcare solutions that are balanced, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of every citizen,” Agboola stated.

She, therefore, noted that by focusing on expanding digital infrastructure, ensuring power reliability, and fostering public-private partnerships, “the Nigerian government can transform telehealth into a powerful catalyst for improved healthcare delivery and lasting health equity.
“As Nigeria stands at the crossroads of digital innovation and healthcare reform, the ultimate challenge remains: shall we harness telehealth and TechQuity to bridge divides and build an equitable future, or let our digital progress echo past disparities?”