By Tolu Dada
Abuja – A Scientist, Mr Onyema Chima, has urged the Federal Government to adopt modern technology in healthcare delivery to utilise innovative solutions to improve care of patients.
Chima, who is the Managing Director of Infornet Company Ltd. made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
The scientist, whose company specialises in producing enzymes and yeast molds said integrating modern technology within the health sector should become a priority for the government to shape the experiences of patients in the country.
“In South Africa for example, the Department of Health has created a policy document outlining an ‘eHealth Strategy’ that focuses on improving patients information and technology systems,’’ he said.
He also urged medical professional bodies to work with the government and learn from other regions where modern technologies had been implemented successfully.
“ In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for example, the implementation of a fully integrated Electronic Medical Record (EMR) in its health system has put the region firmly at the forefront of technological innovations which saves lives and prevent diseases.
“The EMR is implemented in all government health facilities in 2017, and it has cut patients waiting time and allows patients to consult with their doctors even when they are not in the same location.”
Chima explained that the implementation of modern technologies in government hospitals would assist medical staff in executing their daily functions efficiently.
He said it would allow healthcare workers to identify important health trends and make decisions based on these findings and analysis provided by the modern technological equipment supplied.
“With an upgrade in technology in government hospitals, it will be easier to identify potentially infectious diseases by examining outbreaks in other parts of the world and these findings will then be used to identify potential cases in their own patients, aid early detection and help make strategic health decisions.”
He stressed the importance of training of health practitioners by the government to enable them remain current and to keep up with modern medical trends.
“ Professors of medicine, doctors, nurses, researchers, laboratory attendants, all health workers need to be active in continuous review and update of medical curricula and learning materials to ensure they are contemporary and forward thinking on technological matters.
“If men and women of the healthcare sector are adequately trained, they will be able to keep adequate patient’s data; manage population health databases such as those for breast screening, vaccination, notifiable diseases.
“And can operate health information messaging platforms using WhatsApp or other social media platforms for patients communication and patients education.” (NAN)