From Doris Obinna
The Lagos Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP) initiative, Interswitch’s Digital Health Platform (DHP) has taken a major step forward with the partnership between and Patients Know Best (PKB), a global leader in personal health record (PHR) solutions to boost the Lagos SHIP initiative. This collaboration marks a pivotal development in Lagos State’s digital healthcare transformation.
Through the partnership, PKB’s advanced PHR system will be integrated into Interswitch’s DHP to establish a comprehensive Health Information Exchange (HIE) system. This integration aims to modernise healthcare delivery by adhering to global Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standards, promoting seamless, secure, and efficient sharing of patient data across healthcare providers in Lagos.
In a joint statement, the organisations highlighted the significance of the collaboration in creating a patient-centred digital health record system. “This system will empower healthcare professionals with timely access to patient data, enhancing care coordination and improving health outcomes across the state. It will also reduce inefficiencies in service delivery and ensure better overall healthcare experiences for patients.”
Managing Director, Digital Health Platforms at Interswitch, Olufemi Olapegba, emphasised the company’s commitment to using technology to transform essential sectors, including healthcare. He noted that the partnership with PKB will help build an integrated platform that not only enhances service delivery but also improves patient outcomes and redefines access to healthcare services in Nigeria and beyond.
Chief Executive Officer, Mohammad Al-Ubaydli, Patients Know Best, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, describing it as a transformative step in the development of health information systems in Lagos. He underscored the importance of a secure, patient-centric approach that allows individuals to manage their health data while ensuring healthcare providers have immediate access to critical information when needed.
“The integrated platform will support real-time access to patient records, enabling better-informed decisions and coordinated care. Patients will benefit from greater transparency and control over their personal health information, allowing them to take a more active role in managing their health. On the provider side, the platform will streamline clinical workflows, reduce administrative overhead, and improve overall service efficiency.
“By unifying healthcare services across various facilities and specialists, the system is expected to dismantle traditional silos and foster a more connected healthcare environment. Its adherence to international standards for data security and information management ensures that the platform meets global best practices.
“As digital healthcare continues to advance, the Interswitch-PKB partnership represents a critical milestone in the evolution of a data-driven healthcare ecosystem in Lagos. Through innovation and collaboration, the initiative is setting a new benchmark for healthcare delivery in Nigeria and positioning the state as a model for digital transformation in healthcare across the region,” it further disclosed.