General News
Collaboration Among Hospitals, Digital Record Systems a Challenge in eHealth Evolution – Hassan
Adekunle Kunle-Hassan is an Entrepreneur and founder of Summitech Computing, a software and IT solutions company focused on user and business-driven solutions as well as the training of IT professionals through its training program. He spoke on impact of digital record solutions on Nigeria healthcare system and other IT solutions’ revolution in the healthcare system.
Impact of digital record solutions in Nigerian Healthcare system
With the introduction of digital records, information and data generally becomes easily transmissible. We also have a responsibility, however, to safeguard the personal data of patients.
That being said, it is also important to be able to share non personal data (or data that can’t be linked back to the owner) with researchers who aim to use that data to improve the quality of life and healthcare.
We have a long way to go in terms of the healthcare industry in Nigeria, but when the time comes it is important that we have the systems in place to accelerate this process.
Also aside from research, it is important to ensure patients have access to and can manage their own data or move it between hospitals and different locations quickly and seamlessly. All of these things and more become possible with the introduction of digital records.
Improving Nigeria’s healthcare system ranking in eHealth evolution
The technology is not particularly the hardest part at this juncture as Nigerians have proven themselves when it comes to building and evolving complex systems.
The greatest challenge I foresee is collaboration between hospitals, digital record systems and the buy in from the patients themselves.
When it comes to records, I believe there should be the ability for patients and doctors to move information freely between hospitals under established and accepted guidelines.
Information is valuable and people sometimes skirt the rules in order to obtain it, which is why even if we build APIs that allow systems to exchange data, we must do so conscientiously.
Digital data Access in our Hospitals
With accessible data, the game changes. If you are able to sort and analyze your data well, then you will have key insights about your hospital.
This can be related to inventory or even productivity and patient waiting times. You are now able to make data driven decisions that can reduce your costs, improve your level of care and speed up your workflow.
You may be able to identify patterns unique to your particular institution and if done right can also improve audits and ensure no one is misusing resources within the hospital.
It is a necessary step to improving optimal care by magnitudes. A good Electronic Medical Record (EMR) may also have some standard reports ready that help you both improve the business aspect of running a hospital as well as clinical care and the patient experience.
Quicker response and treatment
With a proper digital record system in place or Electronic Medical Record (EMR) as we like to call them, there are several possibilities.
For one if your EMR offers a medical summary for each patient that can easily be texted or emailed to patients to share.
If you have a patient app that allows them to log in then they can easily share that data with any doctor wherever they are. If a patient is not able to speak or is unconscious and their doctor or Hospital is known, with approval from next of kin it is possible to share a medical summary by email with the place of treatment.
There is no need to grab a physical file or rush to a hospital in the middle of the night. The whole process can take a few minutes rather than hours. There is a lot of options.
Safety of patients’ record
Data protection is in the hands of everyone who handles that data. When considering and EMR or HMS (Health Management System) it is important that patient data is secure, hospital data is secure, there is solid encryption and the processes of the system don’t allow access to data to those who don’t have the need or authority (for example a cashier should not have access to a patients case notes or vitals).
All data must be secured as best as is currently possible via technology. Then those who legitimately have access to that data, are also responsible for how they use that data and who they share it with. They need to be sure they don’t leave patient data open for others to see. Humans are still part of the equation so there is always a risk that must be addressed through proper education and vigilance.
Influence of healthcare research using patient data
Healthcare research can really benefit from data that is anonymous. Using anonymous patient data, it is possible to see things like prevalent diseases, risk of contracting such diseases based on age, ethnicity, weight and more.
With proper support it can be a renaissance for the healthcare systems. It could help us really take care of our people no matter where they are from.
It could help us understand where we need more primary healthcare centre or subspecialities. It could help us understand what sort of Doctors we need and help us coordinate better when things like a pandemic rolls around.
Currently we know we need hospitals of all types everywhere but information like this could really help us understand where to start and build up from there.
It would also enable us to take control of our health as a people rather than relying on information from other regions that don’t necessarily have substantial amounts of data on Nigerians or even Africans.
A new MasterCard report has predicted that Africa’s AI economy will more than triple in five years, reaching $16.5 billion by 2030 from $4.5 billion in 2025.
The whitepaper by the global payments technology company, with a presence in over 50 African countries, identifies responsible adoption, stronger data infrastructure, and aggressive skills development as the three pillars that will determine who benefits.
Mark Elliott, division president for Africa at MasterCard, emphasised that Africa stands at an inflection point, where smart technologies have the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives.
He likened AI’s potential to the continent’s leap into mobile money, which bypassed traditional banking infrastructure and brought millions into the financial system.
“Digital innovation, particularly AI, can drive real change on the ground by empowering communities and building a future where everyone participates in the new economy,” Elliott said.
The in-depth study flags several African frontrunners in AI adoption. South Africa tops the list, blending advanced infrastructure with strong research capabilities. It points out that Kenya is making strides with practical AI solutions, from credit scoring to healthcare services in local languages.
Nigeria’s vibrant start-up scene also gets a strong mention for attracting significant venture capital, while Morocco’s strong push in healthcare, agriculture, and energy, underpinned by bold national digital strategies, is another key driver.
Elliott stressed that success depends on powering electricity access, digitisation, and ensuring AI is fuelled by diverse, high-quality local data.
He added that inclusive transformation needs everyone involved, from small businesses to large corporations, policymakers, and communities. “The only good AI is responsible AI,” said Elliot.
Greg Ulrich, MasterCard’s chief AI and data officer, said Africa’s relationship with technology is one of active innovation, pointing to mobile payments as a homegrown success.
“AI is accelerating this transformation, reshaping how people live, work, and connect,” he said. Ulrich described MasterCard’s fraud detection systems, trained in cities like Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg, as proof that global expertise and local talent can combine to deliver secure, real-time services.
He also cautioned that with scale comes responsibility. “Trust is earned, one transaction at a time,” Ulrich said.
He believes that with one of the world’s youngest populations, Africa’s next challenge is turning strategy into delivery, building infrastructure, nurturing talent, and ensuring AI lifts all communities.
The fellows of MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) Cohort 4 recently embarked on an immersive tour of Huawei’s Innovation Center, Cloud Service Centre, and Network Support Centre in Lagos, as part of their ongoing industry exposure sessions.
L-R: Isaac Ogugua-Ezechukwu, Programs Administrator, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University; Blessings Mosugu, Vice President, MTN Media Innovation Programme Cohort 4; Gavin Geng Xiaoyan, Director of Solution Sales\Chief Technical Officer, Huawei; Vanessa Ukamaka Richard, Secretary, MTN MIP Cohort 4 and Dr Chike Mgbeadichie, Programs Director, Professional Education, School of Media and Communications, Pan-Atlantic University, during the July session of the MTN Media Innovation Program held at the Huawei office in Victoria Island, recently.
At the Huawei Innovation Center, the fellows were introduced to a wide array of next-generation technologies. Demonstrations covered Huawei’s smart city solutions, advanced power technologies, cloud systems, and upgraded router and antenna designs. These solutions represent the core of Huawei’s contributions as a strategic partner in MTN’s journey from a connectivity provider to a digital enabler.
One of the highlights of the tour was a live demo of an AI-powered video generator, which transformed selfies into high-definition 30-second avatar-based videos. The videos, created and delivered within seconds via Bluetooth, showcased the real-time capabilities of 5G.
Speaking on how 5G is transforming digital lifestyle globally, the Deputy Managing Director, Marketing and Solutions at Huawei Nigeria, Gavin Geng, noted that “Huawei’s goal is to bridge the gap between global innovation and local demand by tailoring technology to meet Nigeria’s specific challenges. From delivering Nigeria’s first digital village alongside our partners, to launching Nigeria’s first local cloud service, we are committed to working with our customers to build infrastructure that serve both urban and underserved communities.”
He emphasised Huawei’s commitment to security and cutting-edge innovation, adding that “as an employee-owned company adhering to strict global security standards, we ensure that customers’ data and connectivity remain secure while they benefit from next-gen solutions such as 5G, AI, smart city technologies.”
The session underscored MTN’s readiness to meet the increasing demands of Nigeria’s data-driven population and support the country’s digital transformation goals.
Afterwards, the fellows received certificates to commemorate the visit and proceeded to the Huawei Service Centre. Spanning 4,000 square metres, the facility supports operations in telecoms, finance, transportation, power, and public service.
With a dedicated DevOps team, the centre customises its monitoring systems for different clients. It is ISO27001 certified, and all employees hold security certifications, reflecting its emphasis on data protection and operational excellence.
To wrap up the day, the MIP cohort was hosted to a dinner attended by MTN’s Chief Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobechukwu Okigbo. He encouraged the delegates to maximise the opportunity the programme offers and shared personal insights during an experience-sharing moment.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has given its Diaspora Front-End Partners (FEPs) 48 hours to obtain and activate their National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment licences on its newly upgraded diaspora enrolment platform.
The commission said the deadline followed the successful completion of a major upgrade aimed at improving the security, efficiency and reliability of NIN registration for Nigerians living abroad.
According to NIMC, the upgraded platform will offer a more seamless and robust service to diaspora applicants, ensuring faster processing and better data protection. To prepare for the transition, all FEPs have been onboarded onto the new system and taken through intensive training to equip them with the knowledge needed for effective management of the platform.
Once compliant partners activate their licences, Nigerians abroad will be able to access NIN enrolment services through them without disruption.
“The Commission apologises for any inconvenience the upgrade process might have caused and has set up a dedicated service team to resolve all issues related to diaspora enrolment,” NIMC said in a statement signed by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, its head of corporate communications.
Diaspora applicants experiencing difficulties have been advised to contact the commission for prompt assistance.
While the new system rolls out overseas, NIN enrolment continues across all centres in Nigeria, with applicants able to locate their nearest centres on the NIMC website. Nigerians at home or abroad can also modify their NIN data via the online self-service portal.
NIMC further encouraged NIN holders to download the NIMC NINAuth App on iOS or Google Play to instantly verify their NIN, control who can access their information, and enjoy secure authentication services.
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