Lagos State Gov, Interswitch brainstorm with stakeholders on health information platform

In order to ensure that stakeholders in the health sector are fully carried along in it’s planned introduction of Health Information platform to be known as Lagos SHIP, the Lagos State Government and Interswitch, Thursday, August, 15, 2024 organised a stakeholders forum to sensitize them on the benefits of the platform

Lagos SHIP is a digital healthcare platform designed to boost healthcare services by leveraging on Interswitch’s robust technology infrastructure.

The platform 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.

When fully operational, Lagos residents will be able to book appointments, pay for consultations, access medical records, and purchase medications with ease using the platform while there will be a synergy between different health institutions in assessing medical records of patients.

In his keynote address, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, emphasised the transformative potential of data-driven healthcare solutions, stating that the programme will create enhanced experiences for all healthcare stakeholders and enable residents to access quality healthcare services.

“By embracing the technology driven innovation, 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 health care and improving patient outcomes.

The Commissioner noted that we’re living in a time of rapid transformation in healthcare, driven by advancements in technology and a shift towards more informed patients just as he explained that the initiative which is a joint effort by the Lagos State Government and Interswitch Group, is designed to revolutionize healthcare services in the state by through electronic medical records.

Prof. Aboyomi while announcing that the initiative is in line with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to access to quality, efficient and equitable healthcare delivery service in the state, identified stakeholders and partners in the project to include; Lagos State Government, Interswitch e Clat, medical providers and practitioners in the private and public sector, health insurers.

Others are, management organizations (HMOs), policy makers, economic planners for resource allocation, researchers, international community, digital service providers, innovators, residents of Lagos state and medical tourists or users from outside Lagos.

“The Lagos SHIP began with the earlier concession agreement signing and this stakeholders’ engagement is in line with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment of access to quality, efficient and equitable healthcare delivery service in Lagos and Universal Healthcare Coverage.

“The project allows us to imagine together into the future, the speed of patient data migration and connectivity, data mining and trend analysis for policy and research.

” It will also enable us to improve on early warning systems and emergency management, training, virtual clinics, robotics and AI solutions.

“The platform will serve as global hub of virtual connectivity, international collaborations, multiple opportunities for digital innovative solutions, cost efficiencies, regulation and clinical governance”, he said.

Earlier, Managing Director of Interswitch e’Clat, Dr. Wallace Ogufere, stated that as a development partner and supporter of the government’s developmental agenda, they’re working with the Lagos State Government to improve health care delivery system; saying that 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 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.

He posited that by leveraging on 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.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, highlighted the transformative potential of the programme stressing that it has the capacity to enhance healthcare delivery through improved data management, streamlined operations, and better patient engagement.

“The journey to this day began with our determination to establish a unified patient record system, a need made glaringly obvious during the Ebola and COVID-19 pandemics.

“With the Lagos SHIP, we are not just launching a digital platform, but we are also laying the foundation for a more resilient and responsive healthcare system,” she stated.

She added that the platform is set to address critical challenges in the health sector by managing, analyzing, and utilizing health information more effectively.

According to Dr. Ogunyemi, the platform’s advanced technology will not only enhance data management and patient care but also foster greater collaboration between healthcare providers and government agencies.

“This platform is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence. By integrating state-of-the-art technology with existing systems, we are poised to improve health outcomes for all residents of Lagos State,” she stressed.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, elaborated on the platform’s patient-focused approach.

He explained that the platform when fully operational, will empower healthcare professionals to work at their best, reducing errors, improving diagnosis, and fostering global collaboration.

Dr Ogboye noted that it will also help mitigate the “japa syndrome” by creating a more conducive environment for healthcare workers, enhancing job satisfaction, and encouraging professional development.

“The Lagos SHIP is designed to provide individuals with greater access to their health information, enabling them to make informed decisions and take control of their health.

“It will allow a positive, effective, and efficient interaction between the healthcare provider and the patient, underscoring the platform’s potential to transform patient engagement”, he noted.

Managing Director Digital Health Platform, Interswitch, Mr. Olufemi Olapegba giving more insights into the technological background of the project, explained that it is fundamentally a health information exchange platform that seamlessly connects the demand and supply sides of healthcare.

“This innovation will comply with various regulations and standards, particularly adopting the FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) standard, which is the globally recognized best practice for exchanging health information.

” It will expose a variety of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to enhance secure and efficient sharing of health data across different touch points within the healthcare ecosystem.

Olapegba outlined several key services that the service will offer, including the Patient Demography Service, which will uniquely identify and index every patient presenting at health facilities.

“This service allows for seamless tracking of patients as they move across different healthcare providers, ensuring continuity of care. The platform will also empower patients to own and manage their personal health information.

” Additionally, the platform will offer an e-Prescription service, enabling patients to receive prescription services beyond the confines of the health facilities they visit.

“For example, a patient could visit a hospital in Ikoyi and pick up their medication in Epe if it’s not available at the original location,” Olapegba explained.

The launch of Lagos SHIP underscores Interswitch’s commitment to driving positive change and enhancing healthcare delivery across Lagos State and beyond.

Both Interswitch and the Lagos State Government are confident that when fully operational, it will serve as a catalyst for positive transformation within the healthcare sector, ultimately improving the well-being of millions of residents.