Telemedicine: A Nigerian Perspective

Telemedicine is a tool that makes healthcare more accessible, cost-effective, and increases patient engagement. Since making its debut in the late 1950s, advances in Telemedicine have contributed to seniors having the choice to age in place. Patients that reside in rural, hard to reach areas that previously had difficulties accessing a physician, can now reach them virtually.

The use of telemedicine in Nigeria dates back to 2007 when the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) inaugurated their pilot project in two teaching hospitals and six Federal Medical Centres across the country. Now Telemedicine is being practiced in Nigeria with over 15 players operating in different areas including but not limited to, Pharmhealth, Blood Banks, Maternal and Child Health, and General Medicine…