Health-tech company, Dobic Health, has called for widespread adoption of electronic medical records (EMRs) to strengthen hospital systems, improve patient care, and ensure medical histories are accessible across facilities.

Speaking at the official launch of SmartMRS in Lagos, an EMR platform developed by the company, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Dobic Health and HelpMum, Dr Abiodun Adereni, said digital record-keeping would transform how doctors, patients, and health institutions interact with medical data.

He explained that the platform was created to address the frustrations many clinicians face with existing EMR systems, which are often difficult to use and time-consuming. “We built a platform designed by clinicians for clinicians, simple, seamless, and integrated with diagnostic AI to make consultations faster and more reliable,” he said.

Adereni identified the shortage of radiographers in Nigeria as a major challenge, noting that delays in interpreting X-rays and scans compromise timely care. He said the platform incorporates a Clinical Vision Model that assists radiologists and clinicians in analysing medical images more quickly, reducing bottlenecks while supporting rather than replacing specialists.

He added that the ultimate goal was to make the patient journey seamless, from registration to consultation, pharmacy, and follow-up. However, he stressed that broader adoption would depend on government action. “Without a coordinated policy, hospitals and clinics will continue working in silos. When the government mandates EMR adoption, we will see accelerated uptake,” he said.

On data security, Adereni assured that Dobic Health complies with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), does not sell or share patient data, and has trained staff on data ethics.

Cybersecurity expert Gideon Aniechi, who spoke during a panel session on the future of health information, cautioned that hospitals must also strengthen internal procedures to avoid breaches. He emphasised that protecting sensitive patient data is critical as more facilities adopt digital systems.

Also speaking, Medical Director of Dobic Health, Dr Ademide Animasaun, described the platform as more efficient than many existing EMR platforms, saying it reduces routine clicks and frees up doctors’ time to better engage with patients. “The AI doesn’t replace doctors but provides a second opinion that supports better decision-making,” she noted.

Animasaun stressed that while challenges such as infrastructure, training, and awareness remain, the broad adoption of EMRs would be crucial to delivering more efficient and patient-centred healthcare in the country.