By Doris Obinna
Following the recent signing ceremony to launch the Lagos State Health Information Platform (Lagos SHIP) platform, Interswitch Group and the Lagos State Government have partnered to provide unrestricted healthcare access for Lagos State residents.
The Lagos SHIP, a digital healthcare platform designed to boost healthcare services by leveraging Interswitch’s technology infrastructure.
The platform, it was disclosed, aims to create a comprehensive health information system that bridges the gap between patients and healthcare providers, offering a seamless and efficient way to access a wide range of healthcare services. “Lagos residents will be able to book appointments, pay for consultations, access medical records, and purchase medications with ease using the platform.”
In his keynote address, Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Prof. Akin Abayomi, emphasised the transformative potential of data-driven healthcare solutions, stating that the Lagos SHIP initiative will create enhanced experiences for all healthcare stakeholders and enable residents to access quality healthcare services.
Abayomi further stressing the importance of collaboration in healthcare, noted, “By embracing the Lagos SHIP, we can streamline healthcare operations, reduce administrative burdens, and make more informed decisions. These improvements translate into cost savings and better resource allocation, ultimately enhancing the quality of care and improving patient outcomes.
“We are living in a time of rapid transformation in healthcare, driven by advancements in technology and a shift towards more informed and involved patients. The Lagos SHIP initiative, a joint effort by the Lagos State Government and Interswitch Group, is designed to revolutionise healthcare services in the state by connecting patients to doctors, streamlining patient care through electronic medical records, and solving operational challenges.”
Managing Director of Interswitch e’Clat, Dr. Wallace Ogufere, stated that Interswitch, through its healthcare subsidiary Interswitch e’Clat, is working with the state government to improve health outcomes in the state.
He envisages a future where the Lagos state health sector will serve as a model not only for other states in Nigeria but across the continent and beyond.
“Through Lagos SHIP, we will support the Lagos state government in unlocking the potential of electronic medical records, securely leveraging data from public and private hospitals and allied locations. This will facilitate improved experiences for stakeholders across the board, from healthcare administrators to medical professionals and patients.
“By leveraging advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, virtual care, wearables, data analytics, and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), Lagos SHIP will redefine the way healthcare is delivered, accessed, and experienced.”