Health professionals have called on the Federal Government to establish a national digital health data system to eliminate wasteful spending on repeated medical tests and improve patient care. They argue that Nigeria’s lack of an interoperable health record system is causing unnecessary delays in treatment and increasing costs for patients.
Speaking with Science Nigeria on Tuesday, healthcare entrepreneur, Dr. Richardson Ajayi highlighted the inefficiencies caused by the absence of a unified medical record system. He explained that many patients are forced to redo expensive tests simply because hospitals and clinics cannot share information. “Nigeria’s healthcare system needs urgent digital transformation. No patient should have to repeat tests just because hospitals cannot access their records,” Ajayi said, emphasizing that a well-integrated system – similar to those in the banking sector – could greatly improve efficiency and reduce healthcare costs.
Consultant physician, Dr. Patrick Okonkwo noted that the lack of a standardised health data system often results in medical errors and treatment delays. “Doctors need access to complete medical histories to make accurate diagnoses. Without a unified system, this remains a challenge,” he said.
Dr. Tayo Yusufu, a health informatics specialist, stressed that Nigeria’s fragmented health data system is a major obstacle to effective healthcare delivery. She explained that an interoperable digital health records system would not only cut costs for patients but also improve epidemic surveillance and health research. “A national digital health system is not just about convenience; it is critical for public health. During disease outbreaks, a well-integrated system would allow authorities to track cases more efficiently and respond swiftly,” Yusufu stated.
She urged the Federal Government to collaborate with private-sector technology firms to develop a secure and scalable health data network. Such a system, she noted, would ensure that patient information remains confidential while being accessible to hospitals, clinics and laboratories when needed.
Meanwhile, other health experts are calling for accelerated discussions on national health data standardisation, stressing that implementing a digital health infrastructure would significantly enhance patient care and lower overall healthcare costs.
