The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s healthcare system through digital innovation, unveiling plans to attract about ₦500 billion in investment over the next five years to expand an integrated national digital health system.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, disclosed this during the opening of the 6th Africa Digital Health Summit (ADHS 2026) in Abuja.
Salako said Nigeria has moved beyond isolated pilot projects and is now focused on deploying integrated digital health systems nationwide. He explained that the National Digital Health Architecture (NDHA), endorsed by all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, will provide a unified framework for harmonising health information systems, improving interoperability and enabling shared electronic health records.
According to the minister, the initiative is expected to strengthen patient care, improve health planning and support evidence-based decision-making across the country’s healthcare system.
He revealed that an assessment of Nigeria’s 79 federal tertiary hospitals showed an average Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) adoption rate of 74.5 per cent. In addition, digital logistics platforms have been deployed across all 774 local government areas to improve vaccine supply chain management, while states are being encouraged to adopt the NDHA through ongoing primary healthcare reforms.
Despite the progress, Salako acknowledged that significant challenges remain, noting that 43 per cent of Primary Healthcare Centres lack electricity, while nearly 60 per cent of rural health facilities do not have internet connectivity. He also identified poor interoperability among existing systems, shortages of skilled digital health professionals and dependence on donor funding as major constraints.
The minister called on state governments, development partners, private sector investors and technology innovators to align their investments with the National Digital Health Architecture. He also urged the National Pension Commission and Pension Fund Administrators to consider digital health infrastructure as a strategic long-term investment capable of improving healthcare delivery and strengthening health insurance systems.
Salako reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing secure, interoperable and sustainable digital health solutions that will enhance access to quality healthcare and accelerate the achievement of Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.
Source: Tech Africa News
Leave a comment