Polaris bank webinar: expert identifies telemedicine as a pathway to healthcare delivery in Nigeria

Yanjú Uwala in Abeokuta

A technology expert, Mr Adil Shaikh, who is also the Chief Technology Officer of MeCure, has advocated the practice of telemedicine as one of the quickest and effective means of accessing primary healthcare by majority of Nigerians, especially with the widespread of coronavirus in Nigeria.

Penpushing reports that Shaikh made this known during a recently held Webinar on “Managing Health care Business During and Post COVID-19 era” put together by Polaris Bank,adding that, telemedicine offers a game-changing solution to our already overstretched medical services delivery in the country if properly explored and harnessed concertedly by stakeholders, including financial institutions.

The technologist also stated that wide coverage and improved timely access to health care would make telemedicine provide patients the opportunity to access online consultation, prescription and delivery of prescribed drugs from certified pharmacies across Nigeria.

Penpushing further reports that, Shaikh, however noted that telemedicine comes with challenges especially for providers of medical services who wish to explore the initiative; ranging from technology infrastructure, user education and general awareness and connectivity issues on the part of the consumer.

The technology expert while identifying three major areas financial institutions rhat could assist to bridge the gaps, stressed institutions could leverage reach as a result of their large customer base to generate awareness; innovate on digital payments and partner with health institutions.