LAGOS TO COMMENCE IMPLEMENTATION RESEARCH OF EQUITABLE DIGITAL FIRST CARE THROUGH TELEHEALTH

The Lagos State Government has completed plans to develop a telehealth model as part of efforts to sustain the implementation of various interventions aimed at improving access to Primary Health Care (PHC) in the State and pathways to the underserved population.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, said this at the kick-off of the implementation research to test equitable digital-first care in Lagos State held at Sojourner Hotel, GRA, Ikeja. 

He added that Health is a cardinal focus in the ‘THEMES PLUS’ Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stressing that the State Government is committed to the provision of affordable, efficient and equitable healthcare services to its residents. 

Represented by the Director, Medical Administration and Training, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olufunmilayo Shokunbi, the Permanent Secretary said that the Lagos State Government had, during the COVID-19 pandemic, introduced the telemedicine service “EKOTELEMED” in 2020 and this has provided vital healthcare services and mitigated the risk of contagious diseases by the residents as well as the medical personnel. 

To strengthen the supply side of healthcare, he said that the State Government has also invested in the provision of healthcare infrastructure at both the primary and secondary levels, embarked on a recruitment exercise of healthcare workers, and strengthened public healthcare facilities. 

Dr. Ogboye averred that the State has also strengthened its capacity to respond to outbreaks and has provided the enabling environment for private sectors to establish state-of-the-art facilities, thereby reducing medical tourism. 

His words, “As we embark on a mission to explore, evaluate and implement telehealth solutions that will transform the way that we deliver healthcare, I urge everyone to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and develop innovative strategies that will drive the successful implementation of telehealth across the State”.

Dr. Ogboye also inaugurated a 10-member Committee to steer the conduct of the First Implementation Research to Test Equitable Digital-First care and explore telehealth potentials. 

The General Manager,  Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, earlier in her welcome address, informed that in an era of rapid advancements in technology and the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, telehealth has the power to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility, eliminate geographical barriers and ensure patient outcomes. 

Since the commencement of EKOTELEMED in the State, she said that telehealth has demonstrated its immense capacity to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers. 

To sustain the gains and ensure the continuous optimisation of the telehealth intervention in the State, Dr. Zamba said that LASHMA, with funding from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and technical support from Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) as well as VillageReach, is ready to conduct an 18-month telehealth implementation research and other digital health services to incorporate same as an integral part of ILERA EKO basic plan.

The 10-member steering Committee inaugurated will be led by the General Manager, LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, while other members include Dr. Dayo Olajide – Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Health; Mr. Olukunle Daramola – Consultant, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Mr. Obinna Ukachuckwu – Divisional Head, Business Growth and Transactional Banking, Sterling Bank; Prof. Ololade Wright – the Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM); Mr. Onimole Mobolaji – Deputy Director, Development Partnership Department, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget and Mr. Peter Olowu – Director, Statistics, Lagos State Bureau of Statistics. 

Others are Mr. Oluwaleke Jegede – the Principal, SCIDaR; Mr. Olaitan Oyedun – Project Manager, Village Reach and Miss. Abiodun Abubakar – Planning and Research Manager, LASHMA, who will serve as the Secretary of the Committee.