Stakeholders have emphasised the pivotal role of integrating digital health and robust data governance into Nigeria’s health sector to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
By leveraging technology and ensuring effective management of health data, the country can improve healthcare delivery, enhance patient outcomes and make significant strides towards equitable access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians.
These insights were shared on Friday in Abuja during the fifth legislative summit on health, themed “Improving Legislative Stewardship and Accountability for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).”
CEO of Digital Health Platforms Limited, Mr. Femi Olapegba highlighted that this foundational shift not only streamlines healthcare services but also empowers health systems to respond more effectively to the nation’s diverse health needs. He outlined Interswitch’s approach to integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital health, and data governance into the health sector as a foundation for achieving UHC in Nigeria. Interswitch, traditionally known for its financial services, has expanded its expertise to various industries, including health, by collaborating with the Lagos State government to create the Smart Information Platform.
“This platform integrates data from hospitals, clinics, labs, pharmacies, and government agencies into a single system to enhance patient care. Key services include electronic referral systems, e-prescriptions, and unique identification for individuals from birth, all while maintaining robust security measures to protect health data,” he said. However, Olapegba urged stakeholders to focus on equity and inclusivity in healthcare strategies.
Deputy director and head of the monitoring and evaluation division at the department of planning, research & statistics, Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), Dr. Gbenga Ijaodola addressed the critical need for digitalisation and data-driven solutions to achieve UHC in Nigeria. He emphasised that without a robust accountability system, achieving UHC would be challenging. Ijaodola highlighted the limitations of paper-based systems, noting they obstruct efforts to scale up and cover all necessary services effectively. He also stressed the importance of developing a skilled workforce capable of implementing digital health solutions and fostering public-private partnerships to address the capital-intensive nature of digital health.
CEO of Premier Health Systems (PHS) Consult, Dr. Niyi Osamiluyi acknowledged the significant support and collaborative efforts that have advanced health initiatives and digital health frameworks in Nigeria. He expressed gratitude for the federal government initiative and the Ministry of Health’s endorsement, which have been instrumental in progressing health initiatives. Osamiluyi also thanked legislators and government officials for their efforts in creating policies, standards and regulations that support data governance. He underlined the importance of these efforts in ensuring the success and sustainability of digital health initiatives.
Director-general of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman highlighted the government’s initiative to reduce the financial burden of healthcare and the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in achieving UHC. Represented by Dr. Osarefin Okungbowa, Sulaiman stressed the need for effective resource allocation and fiscal management, identifying high maternal and infant mortality rates as a priority. He also noted the value of learning from successful models like the National Health Service Act for coalition building and policy implementation.
Director of DGI Consult Limited, Dr. Gafar Alawode emphasised that public spending is key to expanding health insurance coverage to the poor and vulnerable. He noted the need for Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen to provide oversight to ensure this spending effectively benefits these populations. Ensuring proper allocation and utilization of funds is crucial for improving health outcomes for the most disadvantaged groups.
Chief of Party at the USAID-funded Local Health System Sustainability Project (LHSS), Dr. Bolanle Olusola-Faleye affirmed that LHSS would continue to follow up in their respective states and hold legislators accountable to their commitments as part of their legislative health agenda. Olusola-Faleye emphasised fostering a strong partnership with the executive arm of government, which is frequently engaged. “Our immediate goal is to ensure that these two branches of government collaborate effectively to elevate the health system to the desired level,” she said.
The consensus at the summit was clear: integrating digital health and data governance into Nigeria’s health sector is essential for achieving UHC and ensuring that all Nigerians have access to quality healthcare.
