UCH CMD Advocates Digitalization of Healthcare in Nigeria
Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, has called for the digitalization of Nigeria's healthcare system, emphasizing its feasibility with the right resources and determination
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, has emphasized the need for digitalization in the Nigerian healthcare system. Prof. Otegbayo articulated this vision during the signing of an agreement with Online Health Company (OHEALTH), a telemedicine provider based in Ibadan. He underscored the potential of digital healthcare transformation in Nigeria, asserting that if other countries can achieve it, Nigeria can too with the right resources and determination.
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Prof. Otegbayo highlighted the significance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with OHEALTH, which encompasses electronic medical records, e-consultation, and tele-health services. These innovations aim to enhance the hospital’s Private Suites, making services seamless and paperless, thus reducing costs and aligning with modern healthcare trends.
Expressing confidence in OHEALTH’s capabilities, Prof. Otegbayo stated, “They should not fail us. We have read about their capability and what they have been doing in terms of tele-health. They have a track record which we are satisfied with.” He stressed that achieving digitalization requires determination, resource allocation, and skilled human capital, elements he believes OHEALTH possesses.
Dr. Temitope Farombi, CEO of OHEALTH, described the partnership as a milestone for both OHEALTH and UCH. She explained that the scope of the collaboration includes managing patient information, virtual consultations, tele-medicine, and payment systems. Using OHEALTH's software platform, all service points from registration to consultation, billing, laboratory, and nursing services will be connected, facilitating a comprehensive digital healthcare system.
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Dr. Farombi, a consultant neurologist, emphasized the convenience of the new system, stating that patients can book appointments, opt for physical or virtual consultations, and manage payments using the OHEALTH mobile or web app without needing to visit UCH physically. This innovation aims to bring UCH’s Private Suites to the community’s doorstep, enhancing accessibility and efficiency.
OHEALTH’s recent launch of its Electronic Medical Record (EMR) software marks a significant step towards digitalizing patient records. The five-year renewable contract with UCH is expected to revolutionize service delivery at the hospital’s Private Suites, setting a precedent for healthcare digitalization in Nigeria.
