Nigeria can reduce medical tourism and improve its low life expectancy through sustained investment in technology, local healthcare capacity and collaboration with Nigerian medical professionals abroad, the Founder of Save A Life Mission Hospital, Port Harcourt, Dr Richard Okoye, has said.
Okoye said his hospital was already working towards that goal by using technology to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare.
According to The Guardian, Okoye said he chose to remain in Nigeria despite the migration of medical professionals and invested in developing a digital healthcare system that meets international standards.
He expressed concern over the declining doctor to patient ratio, particularly in rural communities, saying the loss of medical professionals had also resulted in a depletion of expertise within the country’s healthcare system.
Okoye said his technology initiative, which began in 2014, now supports electronic medical records, real time patient monitoring and artificial intelligence assisted clinical decision making at the hospital.
He added that the hospital’s “My Home Clinic” application allows patients to book appointments, submit medical information and receive professional guidance remotely.
The doctor said the technology was also being deployed in underserved communities through solar powered systems and satellite connectivity, enabling health workers to transmit patients’ vital signs to doctors in real time.
He disclosed plans to introduce an advanced ambulance system in October, equipped to allow doctors to remotely monitor and manage patients during transportation.
Okoye also said Nigerian doctors living abroad could support patients remotely while returning periodically to train and work with local medical teams.
He stressed that the ultimate goal was to provide advanced medical services in Nigeria and reduce the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for treatment.
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