By Taiwo Babatunde
The healthcare system in Nigeria faces significant challenges, particularly in rural areas where access to medical services is limited.
With a rapidly growing population and a shortage of healthcare professionals, many Nigerians, especially those in remote communities, struggle to receive timely and adequate medical care.
The lack of proper infrastructure, unreliable electricity, and limited internet access further exacerbate these issues.
Traditional healthcare delivery methods are often insufficient, leading to high mortality rates in rural areas. To address these challenges, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions that can bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare services.
One promising approach is the adoption of cloudbased health systems (CBHS), which can provide remote access to medical services, reduce costs, and improve the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery.
Dr. P. E Bakre has been leading efforts to explore the possibilities of using cloud computing to revolutionize healthcare in developing countries such as Nigeria.
In one of her recent researches, “Factors Affecting the Successful Adoption of e-Health Cloud-Based Health System from Healthcare Consumers’ Perspective,” the researcher and her team investigated key factors influencing the acceptance of CBHS among healthcare consumers in Nigeria.
The study, which surveyed 465 respondents across four locations in Benue State, identified performance
expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, data security, and information sharing as critical factors that drive the adoption of CBHS.
Interestingly, the study found that while cloud-based health knowledge was not a significant factor, consumers were
willing to learn and adapt to the technology once the necessary infrastructure and security measures were in place.
The proposed CBHS model by Dr. Bakre and her team offers a practical solution to many of the challenges faced by Nigeria’s healthcare system. By leveraging cloud computing, the system
enables remote access to healthcare services, allowing patients in rural areas to connect with healthcare professionals without the need for long-distance travel.
The system also facilitates real-time data sharing, which can improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Additionally, the CBHS model reduces the burden on healthcare providers by streamlining processes and enabling
more efficient resource allocation. This innovative approach has the potential to significantly improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria, particularly in underserved rural communities.
The research however, noted that, the successful implementation of CBHS in Nigeria requires careful planning and consideration of the factors identified.
Policymakers and healthcare managers must prioritize the development of robust IT infrastructure, ensure data security, and create awareness about the benefits of CBHS among healthcare consumers. By addressing these
issues, Nigeria can overcome the barriers to adopting cloud-based healthcare solutions and move closer to achieving equitable access to medical services for all its citizens.
In conclusion, the work of Dr. Patience E. Bakre highlights the transformative potential of cloudbased health systems in addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges.
By focusing on the factors that influence consumer acceptance, her research provides valuable insights for policymakers and healthcare providers looking to implement CBHS. As Nigeria continues to grapple with the limitations of its current healthcare system, the adoption of innovative technologies like CBHS offers a promising path toward improving healthcare access and outcomes for millions of Nigerians.
The findings of this study underscore the importance of embracing technological
advancements to create a more efficient, accessible, and equitable healthcare system in developing countries.