Lagos introduces digital solution to improve healthcare delivery

T The Lagos State Government has introduced an innovative digital solution, the Smart Health Information Platform to improve healthcare delivery in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said the platform seeks to transform healthcare services delivered, accessed, and managed across the state.

Abayomi described SHIP launched recently as a groundbreaking tool that promises to modernise the state’s health sector.

According to him the key objectives of the event included securing stakeholder buy-in for SHIP adoption, addressing data security and privacy concerns, and fostering a collaborative environment to improve health outcomes in the state both now and in the future.

He noted that the initiative marks a significant step toward integrating advanced digital solutions into Lagos’ healthcare system, aiming to enhance overall efficiency and service delivery.

The commissioner emphasised that the SHIP would facilitate the interconnectivity of all general hospitals, primary health centres, the Ministry of Health, and other public health facilities and medical agencies across Lagos State.

This integration, he said, aims to create a robust platform for seamless information exchange, where data collected at patient interfaces will be processed and securely transferred to a central unit, accessible by various facilities.

In his address at the event, Abayomi described the launch of SHIP as a pivotal moment for the Lagos State Ministry of Health, marking a significant advancement in the digital transformation of the state’s healthcare sector.

He noted that after a thorough seven-year development and design process, the project is now advancing into the procurement phase. eCLAT Interswitch has been identified as the preferred bidder for the next steps in implementing SHIP.

Abayomi elaborated on the ongoing collaboration with eCLAT to enhance the SHIP, outlining that the prelaunch event aimed to introduce SHIP to the public, particularly the Chief Executive Officers of public health facilities, as the program prepares to roll out its first phase.

He said, “Phase one of SHIP will establish connectivity among all general hospitals, PHCs, the Ministry of Health, and other public health facilities and medical agencies. Phase one is designed to ensure a comprehensive network where every facility is interconnected.

“The core objective of SHIP is to facilitate a dynamic information exchange system. Data collection will commence at the initial point of patient entry into healthcare facilities.

“As patients navigate through their healthcare journey, data will be continuously gathered and processed at each stage of their care. This systematic approach aims to enhance data accuracy and accessibility, ultimately improving health management and service delivery across Lagos State.”

Abayomi explained that, under the new SHIP, all patient data currently stored in individual facilities would be consolidated into a central repository within SHIP, saying that historically, data has been siloed at each facility, limiting its utility.

“With SHIP, as interconnectivity between facilities is established, data will be centralised, enabling it to be subjected to advanced analysis techniques. This includes trending analysis, modern data informatics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

“The goal is to transform this data into a valuable asset for the government, to enhance decision-making, improve healthcare outcomes, and optimise the management of health resources across Lagos State,” he added.

In her opening remarks, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, heralded the unveiling of the Lagos Smart Health Information Platform as the dawn of a new era in healthcare.

She highlighted that SHIP is set to revolutionise the delivery of healthcare services in Lagos, marking a significant advancement towards a more efficient, effective, and equitable healthcare system.

Ogunyemi reflected on the origins of SHIP, noting that the initiative began with the goal of establishing a unified patient record system within Lagos’ healthcare infrastructure.

“This need became especially apparent during the Ebola and COVID-19 pandemics, where efficient access to health data across both public and private sectors proved critical,” she said.

She emphasised that SHIP is a cutting-edge solution designed to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing the healthcare system in Lagos, promising to enhance data management and service delivery across the state.

Ogunyemi described the SHIP as a transformative tool for managing, analysing, and utilising health information.

She emphasised that SHIP would lead to significant improvements in patient care, streamline healthcare operations, and enhance community health.

According to Ogunyemi, the platform will allow for more efficient management of health records, ensuring that information is accurate, accessible, and secure.

“This advancement is expected to reduce errors, enhance patient safety, and support better decision-making processes, ultimately improving the overall quality of healthcare services,” she added.

The Managing Director of Interswitch e’Clat, Dr. Wallace Ogufere, highlighted that his company is collaborating with the Lagos State Government to enhance health outcomes in the state.

Ogufere said as a key development partner and supporter of the government’s initiatives, Interswitch envisions that Lagos SHIP will not only serve as a model for other states in Nigeria but also set a benchmark across Africa and beyond.

He emphasised that SHIP will enable the Lagos State Government to harness the potential of electronic medical records by securely integrating data from both public and private hospitals, as well as allied healthcare facilities.

“This integration aims to improve the experiences of all stakeholders, including healthcare administrators, medical professionals, and patients,” he added.

He also pointed out that Lagos SHIP will leverage advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, virtual care, wearables, data analytics, and the Internet of Medical Things.

“These technologies are expected to transform the delivery, accessibility, and overall experience of healthcare in Lagos”, he added.