Rita Okoye
The Wife of the Governor Lagos State, Dr. Ibironke Samwo-Olu, has laid emphasis on technology  for reformation in the Nigeria healthcare system.
Speaking during the 2019 Healthcare Nigeria Conference organised by Hygeia Health Management Organisation (HMO),  recently held in Lagos tagged ‘ Healthcare in Nigeria: Transformative Solutions’, Ibironke noted that to attain a laudable health reform,  information technology is key.
She said: “I must say that we cannot be talking about the transformation of healthcare without due application of Information Technology to healthcare delivery. You will agree with me that today’s doctors are increasingly young and versatile especially in the application of digital skills. Such skills must be applied in the delivery of healthcare services.
“The world is now talking about telemedicine and tele-health which allows patients and doctors to communicate at remote distance. It will reduce travel time as well as pressure on our doctors. It is increasingly crystal that dynamic application of technology will boost healthcare industry”.
She admitted bad healthcare system kills talents, innovation and precious lives. Thus, urged actors in the health sectors to boost the drive to transform the health sector.
Speaking on the conference, The Chief Executive Officer, Hygeia HMO, Obinnia Abajue explained the event was designed to trigger attention to addressing the shortfall in the healthcare and support systems.
“Due to its unique position of being entirely private sector driven and its focus on the application of the Issues to the everyday management of health issues in Nigeria. This focus is underscored by our annual selection of a condition or disease. the management of which is of critical national attention and for which we seek to showcase what is going on to trigger attention to addressing the shortfall in the care and support systems” he said.
He further explained 2019 Healthcare Nigeria Conference focused on metal health to spotlight incidences of suicide.
“This year’s focus condition is mental health. We had frank conversations about what we may need to do to provide better support for mental illness in our homes, at work and in the media,  more stories of suicide provides no comfort even if adequately rationalised. We can be better as a people especially if we start early” said.