Aneurosurgeon at Tulane University, New Orleans, USA, Prof. Wale Suleiman, has advocated use of tele-health for optimal healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Suleiman who was recently appointed the Special Adviser on Health Matters to the Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazak of Kwara, said this during the Two-Days Health Symposium tagged: “Partnership for Health Innovation in Kwara State,” held in Ilorin on Tuesday.
Telehealth is the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access health care services remotely and manage your health care.
In Tele-health, mobile phone or other device can be used to upload food logs, medications, dosing and blood sugar levels for review by a nurse who responds electronically.
In his paper presentation, the Don said that technology improvements have had significant impact on health care and how it is delivered, with increased use of out patient.
The Don also said, for health care services to develop, there must be use of data to develop policy as regards healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
According to him, theories can be used to apply primary health care as well as secondary health.
Suleiman said he believes in transformational changes in the design, delivery, access, safety and quality of healthcare utilising modern technology.
He emphasised the need for a collective effort to evolve a health system that would work for all and expressed hope that the outcome of the symposium would bring out workable recommendations to help the government improve the health sector.
The Don said we live in a digital age which entails the need to think ahead and ensure adding value to patient through digital technology.
