By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A leading digital payments firm, Interswitch Group, has promised to use its robust technology infrastructure to transform electronic medical records for the Lagos State government through its healthcare subsidiary, Interswitch e’Clat.
The company recently partnered with the state government for its Lagos State Health Information Platform (Lagos SHIP), a digital healthcare platform designed to boost healthcare services.
It was designed 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.
The tech firm noted that the goal is to enable Lagos residents to book appointments, pay for consultations, access medical records, and purchase medications with ease using the platform.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement forum in Lagos, the Managing Director of Interswitch e’Clat, Dr Wallace Ogufere, stated that both parties would work together to improve health outcomes in the state.
As a development partner and supporter of the government’s developmental agenda, Mr Ogufere 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,” he noted.
“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,” the medical practitioner added.
In his keynote address, the Commissioner for Health in Lagos, 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.
“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,” the Commissioner said.
It was gathered that the forum was organised to raise awareness for Lagos SHIP and its benefits, educate stakeholders on its functionalities, secure stakeholder buy-in and support for SHIP adoption, and address concerns related to data security and privacy in the Lagos health care ecosystem.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Aduragbemi Omiyale