The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Representatives Candidate for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Dr Stephen Ugwoke, has identified the absence of reliable healthcare data as one of the biggest obstacles to improving the healthcare system in Nigeria.

He, however, commended the Federal Government for establishing the National Health Technology and Data Analytics Office (NHTDAO), describing the initiative as a landmark step toward modernising Nigeria’s healthcare sector through technology and evidence-based decision-making.

The Data Analyst stated that Nigeria cannot effectively address its healthcare challenges without an integrated national health data system capable of tracking diseases, managing patient records, and providing policymakers with accurate information for planning and resource allocation.

He noted that countries with more effective healthcare systems, including the United States, have achieved significant improvements by leveraging digital technologies, integrated health records, and real-time health surveillance.

“Good healthcare does not begin in the operating theatre. It begins with data—clean, accessible, integrated, trustworthy data. You cannot fight what you cannot see. You cannot plan for diseases you are not tracking,” Ugwoke stated.

He explained that the newly created NHTDAO is expected to coordinate Nigeria’s fragmented healthcare data ecosystem and drive the implementation of the National Digital Health Architecture, thereby laying the foundation for a unified digital health system.

He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the office, describing the decision as a clear indication that the administration recognises the importance of technology and data in driving meaningful healthcare reforms.

He also lauded the appointment of Dr Obi Adigwe as the pioneer National Coordinator of the agency, saying the choice reflects a growing emphasis on competence and subject-matter expertise in public sector appointments.

According to him, Adigwe’s experience as a pharmaceutical researcher and scientist makes him well-suited to lead the development of Nigeria’s digital healthcare infrastructure.

“I have watched as Nigerian health institutions were led almost exclusively by medical doctors, regardless of whether a medical degree was the most relevant qualification. Seeing a pharmacist and pharmaceutical researcher appointed to lead this initiative gives hope that competence and expertise are beginning to take priority,” he said.

The NDC candidate further stressed that a truly interoperable healthcare system would enable patients’ medical records to be securely accessed across healthcare facilities nationwide, improving continuity of care, disease surveillance, emergency response, and national health planning.

He, however, cautioned that the success of the initiative would depend on sustained political will, adequate funding, standardised data collection, strong data protection measures, and continuous training for healthcare workers.

He urged governments, healthcare professionals, and development partners to support the implementation of the initiative, insisting that embracing digital transformation is essential to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and improving public health outcomes.

Ugwoke described the establishment of the NHTDAO as the beginning of a new chapter for Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

“Change is happening, and for the first time in a long while, I look at a Nigerian health sector announcement and feel genuine, cautious, fact-based hope. Let us build something that lasts,” he said.