Connect with us

News

Lagos, Interswitch Partner to Build Digital Medical Records Platform

Published

on

Kindly share this post

The Lagos State Ministry of Health has partnered with Eclat, Interswitch’s healthcare subsidiary, to develop a digital medical records platform to enhance healthcare delivery efficiency across Lagos.

The Lagos State Health Information Platform (Lagos SHIP) is designed to consolidate patient clinical data from various healthcare levels and provide accessible information to relevant stakeholders for expert care management.

The goal is to facilitate flexible information exchange among clinicians, hospitals, diagnostics centres, pharmacies, insurance companies, and medical associations.

Akin Abayomi, Lagos Commissioner for Health, announced on Thursday at a stakeholders’ forum that the solution will be rolled out across public healthcare facilities in six months.

This will follow the establishment of a practical level of interconnectivity between these facilities in various locations.

Private facilities will eventually be able to access the platform after a two-year pilot phase in the public system.

Abayomi explained that the solution provides the opportunity to drive healthcare with real-time data, enabling patients to access improved quality services.

He also assured that the data would be protected under intense security.

“By embracing the platform, we can streamline healthcare operations, reduce administrative burdens, and make more informed decisions. These improvements translate into cost savings and better resource allocation, ultimately enhancing the quality of care and improving patient outcomes,” Abayomi said.

“We are living in a time of rapid transformation in healthcare, driven by advancements in technology and a shift towards more informed and involved patients.

“The Lagos SHIP initiative, a joint effort by the Lagos State Government and Interswitch Group, is designed to revolutionise healthcare services in the state by connecting patients to doctors, streamlining patient care through electronic medical records, and solving operational challenges.”

Before this, healthcare information management was fragmented due to a lack of seamless data sharing between facilities. Consequently, most patients’ records were confined to their initial treatment location.

This causes inefficiency, deprives the government of the database it needs to understand its citizens’ health-seeking patterns, and ultimately leads to discontinued care.

Wallace Ogufere, managing director of Eclat, asserts that technology can transform healthcare efficiency and effectiveness, despite myriads of challenges including access to essential care, clinical workforce exodus, rising costs, ravaging epidemics, and the burden of chronic disease.

To address these challenges, the firm has leveraged advanced technology such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, wearables, data analytics, and the Internet of medical things to refine healthcare delivery and experience.

“We will support the Lagos State government in unlocking the potential of electronic medical records, securely leveraging data from public and private hospitals and allied locations. This will facilitate improved experience for stakeholders across the board from healthcare administrators to medical professionals and patients. Moreover, it will enable data-informed decision making, driving better healthcare planning policy development and outcomes,” Wallace said.

The managing director further noted that digital health is not solely about technology but also about people. It empowers patients to take control of their health, enables healthcare professionals to deliver more effective care, and ultimately improves health outcomes for all.

“The Lagos SHIP solution is not an end in itself. We will keep improving the platform to suit our local nuances as they present themselves,” Wallace said.

Speaking on the transformative potential of the solution, Kemi Ogunyemi, special adviser to the Governor on Health, said the goal is to establish a unified health ecosystem where various stakeholders including healthcare providers and government agencies can seamlessly collaborate, share information and work towards health objectives.

With real-time data and advanced analytics provided by the platform to support informed decisions, optimize resource allocation and operational efficiency, she envisions reduced errors and patients’ safety.

“It is not just a technological advancement. It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare. It aims to enhance data management. The platform will enable us to manage health records, more efficiently, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and security of patient’s information,” she said.

Olufemi Olapegba, managing director, Digital Health Platform, Interswitch, provided key insights into the technological backbone of the SHIP initiative. He explained that SHIP is fundamentally a health information exchange platform that seamlessly connects the demand and supply sides of healthcare.

“SHIP will comply with various regulations and standards, particularly adopting the FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) standard, which is the globally recognized best practice for exchanging health information,” Olapegba stated.

He added that SHIP will expose a variety of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to enable the secure and efficient sharing of health data across different touchpoints within the healthcare ecosystem.

It will offer key services, including the Patient Demography Service, which will uniquely identify every patient presenting at health facilities.

“This service allows for seamless tracking of patients as they move across different healthcare providers, ensuring continuity of care,” he explained. The platform will also empower patients to own and manage their personal health information.

Another critical feature of SHIP is the Summary Care Records API, which facilitates the exchange of clinical data, ensuring that vital details required for continuous care are easily accessible to healthcare providers.

Additionally, the platform will offer an e-prescription service, enabling patients to receive prescription services beyond the confines of the health facilities they visit. “For example, a patient could visit a hospital in Ikoyi and pick up their medication in Epe if it’s not available at the original location,” Olapegba noted.


Kindly share this post

Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

News

EFCC Bans Cash above $10,000 from Leaving Nigeria without Declaration

Published

on

Ola Olukoyede, chairman, EFCC
Kindly share this post

Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has warned against cash transportation above $10,000 or its equivalent without declaration to the appropriate government agencies.

EFCC Bans Cash above $10,000 from Leaving Nigeria without Declaration

Ola Olukoyede, chairman, EFCC

Olukoyede gave this charge in Kano at the weekend at a joint sensitisation program organised by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the EFCC to educate Nigerians on legal protocols for cash movement across Nigeria’s borders.

He cautioned Bureau De Change (BDC) operators and other business stakeholders across the country against illegal cash smuggling, urging individuals transporting cash exceeding $10,000 (or its equivalent) to declare it to the NCS, as failure to do so constitutes a criminal offence.

According to the anti-graft czar, despite existing laws, many travellers, whether businessmen, pilgrims, or tourists, still engage in illegal cash movements out of ignorance or deliberate attempts to evade financial regulations.

Under the theme, “Illegal Cash Movement Through Nigerian Airports: Consequences, Legal Frameworks, and EFCC’s Enforcement Role,” Olukoyede, who spoke through CE Ibrahim Shazali, Kano Zonal Director of the EFCC, underscored the severe repercussions of non-compliance with Nigeria’s financial regulations.

“Today, we will clarify the legal requirements, reporting obligations, and consequences of non-compliance”.

“The consequences of illegal cash trafficking are grave—ranging from imprisonment and hefty fines to forfeiture of assets.

“The EFCC, in collaboration with sister agencies, remains resolute in prosecuting offenders and safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system,” he said.

“Section 3(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act declares cash transportation above $10,000 (or equivalent) without declaration illegal and Section 18 of the same Act mandates BDCs to report suspicious transactions to the NFIU (Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit).

He emphasised that illicit cash movement undermines economic stability and fuels crimes such as money laundering, terrorism financing and corruption.

Olukoyede also outlined the legal frameworks governing cash movements, including the EFCC Act (2004), the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition Act) 2022 and Central Bank of Nigeria guidelines.

“Nigeria, as a signatory to international anti-money laundering conventions, has established strict laws to regulate the movement of cash in and out of the country.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, and the EFCC Establishment Act provide clear guidelines on cash declarations and penalties for violations.”

The sensitisation program highlighted the inter-agency commitment to enforcing compliance.

Representatives from the NCS and ICPC reinforced the importance of adhering to anti-corruption laws and cross-border financial regulations.

Stakeholders, including BDC operators, were urged to uphold ethical practices and report suspicious activities.

The EFCC’s boss called for stakeholders’ support and collective vigilance against illicit financial flows in Nigeria.

“We urge all stakeholders to prioritise national interest over personal gain. Compliance is not optional; it is a legal and patriotic obligation. Together, we can curb illicit financial flows and promote economic security”, he said.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

News

Lagos Sets the Benchmark in Renewable Energy as CADEF Launches Transformative Platform

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Against the backdrop of Lagos State’s proactive efforts to reform its electricity sector, the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) has launched its ‘Renew Energy Nigeria’ platform, a nationwide initiative with potential synergies for the state’s ambitious energy goals.

Professor Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, CADEF’s Executive Director, introduced the platform in Lagos, highlighting its aim to empower Nigerians with information and access to decentralized renewable energy (DER) solutions. “The launch of this platform marks a significant step towards democratizing access to information and resources within Nigeria’s burgeoning sustainable energy sector.”

The platform’s launch comes as Lagos State, under the Lagos State Electricity Law, is actively establishing a regulatory framework and attracting private sector investment. Kamaldeen Abiodun-Balogun, General Manager of the LSEB, detailed the state’s progress in creating a functional electricity market, ensuring payment security, and addressing infrastructure challenges. “This law enabled us to create policy documents and establish regulatory agencies to initiate the implementation of the Lagos electricity market,” he explained, adding that private sector involvement will be key in areas where existing Discos face performance issues.

Segun Adaju, a private sector player deeply engaged in the energy sector, lauded Lagos State’s leadership. “In all these, Lagos State is always setting the pace. Many of us in the private sector players like myself, we are also looking up to Lagos State to set the pace,” he said, also mentioning his work on the Centralized Renewable Energy Desk for the state government.

While acknowledging national-level challenges such as import restrictions and forex fluctuations as noted by Professor Ndukwe-Okafor: “The recent federal plan on restrictions on the importation of solar products and the fluctuation of forex rate have made clean energy solutions costly”, the focus on Lagos State’s progress suggests a promising local environment for DER adoption, potentially amplified by CADEF’s new platform.

The broader socio-economic context, as highlighted by Olumide Ajayi, “Over 40% of Nigerians do not have access to reliable electricity”, underscored the importance of initiatives like ‘Renew Energy Nigeria’ and the enabling policies being implemented in states like Lagos.

Professor Ndukwe-Okafor concluded with a powerful call to action. “This platform is not an isolated intervention. It is aligned with our ideal country’s national vision, the 30-30-30 initiative. Let us not build a solar future that only serves the wealthy. Let us democratize clean energy. Let us make it local, inclusive, and scalable.”

The launch of “Renew Energy Nigeria” marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and equitable energy future for Nigeria, driven by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to empowering its citizens. The platform is now live and accessible to all Nigerians seeking reliable and clean energy alternatives


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

News

EFCC Secures Arrest Warrant for Six CBEX Promoters

Published

on

Kindly share this post

A federal high court in Abuja has granted permission to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and detain six Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) promoters over allegations of investment fraud to the tune of over one billion dollars.

EFCC Secures Arrest Warrant for Six CBEX Promoters

Emeka Nwite, presiding judge, gave the order following an ex parte application moved by Fadila Yusuf, counsel to the EFCC.

In the application by the EFCC, the six suspects are Adefowora Olanipekun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, Seyi Oloyede, Avwerosuo Otorudo and Chukwuebuka Ehirim.

The commission sought an order of the court for a warrant of arrest of the defendants.

They also prayed the court for “an order remanding the defendants in the custody of the complainant/applicant pending the conclusion of investigation of the alleged offences and possible prosecution”.

Yusuf said that the defendants are at large and a warrant of arrest is required to arrest the defendants for proper investigation and prosecution of this case.

In the affidavit in support of the motion, the EFCC said preliminary investigation into the intel revealed that the defendants “using their company ST Technologies International Limited, promoted another company Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) by making adverts and lured unsuspecting members of the public to invest crypto cryptocurrencies on the CBEX investment platform”.

The EFCC said the defendants promised an unrealistic return on investment of up to 100 percent.

“The victims were made to convert their digital assets into a stablecoin of USDT for onward deposit into the suspects’ crypto wallet,” Yusuf said.

“The victims were initially given full access to the platform to monitor their investment.

“Following the deposits valued at over $1 billion by the victims, the CBEX investment platform became inaccessible to them, and they could no longer withdraw from the investment made.

“The victims later discovered that the said scheme is a scam.

“During the course of investigation, it was discovered that the said ST Technologies International Limited, though registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), it was not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for investment purposes.

“It was also discovered during the investigation that the defendants had moved out of their last known address in Lagos and Ogun states.”

The anti-graft agency said obtaining a warrant of arrest was necessary in order to place the defendants on a watch list, enabling authorities to trace and apprehend the suspects to face the charges brought against them.

Nwite granted the request for a warrant of arrest and remand, adding that the order was necessary to enable the commission to apprehend the defendants and conclude its investigation.

“I have listened to the submission of the learned counsel for the applicant,” Nwite said.

“I have also gone through the affidavit evidence with exhibits thereto, along with the written address.

“I am of the view and I so hold that the application is meritorious.

“Consequently, the application is granted as prayed.”

Earlier in April, reports emerged that CBEX users could no longer withdraw their funds.

On Monday, angry investors stormed and looted the office of Smart Treasure (ST Team), an affiliate of CBEX, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The EFCC recently confirmed receiving multiple complaints about the platform.

Dele Oyewale, the commission spokesperson, assured affected investors that efforts were underway to recover their funds.

 

 

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending