Experts have disclosed that the integration of cutting-edge technology is non-negotiable for the revitalisation of Nigeria’s healthcare sector, stressing the need for urgent action.
 
While emphasising this during the 3rd yearly Faculty of Science Conference at the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo State, the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa, stated that Nigeria can learn from global trends to overhaul its system.
 
Speaking on the theme, ‘The Future of Science and Healthcare: Harnessing the Power of Innovation and Technology’, Obafunwa, who was represented by Dr David Oladele, identified specific technological solutions as potential game-changers for the country’s healthcare sector.
 
According to him, telemedicine, mobile health (mHealth) applications, Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), data analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

including machine learning, are some of the innovations that can be adopted. He said: “In a country of over 230 million people, 70 per cent live in rural areas, life expectancy is 53.7 years for males, while 55.4 is for females, maternal mortality is 1047 per 100,000 live births, infant mortality is 69 per 1000 live births and under five mortality is 107 per 1000 live births.
 
“Healthcare in Nigeria is further worsened by issues such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, poor healthcare funding, shortage of health professionals, high disease burden, poor health indicators, and poor health insurance coverage, among others.”
 
The Vice-Chancellor of UNIMED, Prof. Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, who acknowledged the challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare, stated: “Together, we can cultivate a culture of innovation that encourages collaboration among healthcare professionals, researchers, and technologists.