The UNICCON Group of Companies has urged the Federal Government to fully integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven telemedicine into the nation’s health system.
The firm on Thursday carried out a pilot of its AI-powered telemedicine software, MySmartMedic, at Galadimawa, an Abuja suburb.
The project is expected to help in transforming Nigeria’s healthcare system, with the company urging the Federal Government to integrate it into its hospitals management system.
The Chairman, UNNICON Group Prof. Chuks Ekwueme, said healthcare should be convenient, not complicated, adding that MySmartMedic would ensure access to quality medical advice in minutes to anyone, regardless of location or financial status.
Ekwueme said the inspiration behind MySmartMedic was to offer users and patients a robust healthcare application that would bridge the gap in accessing healthcare service in Africa.
He said most of the available health applications had always focused on hospital management system hence the firm was deliberate in building social impact solution for the masses on applied artificial intelligence.
He said this initiative would provide instant virtual consultations, smart symptom analysis, and accessible healthcare services across the country.
“It will also reduce cost, gap in manpower supply, increase efficiency, increase reach and reduce stress on government facilities.”
He said MySmartMedic will revolutionise Nigeria’s healthcare accessibility, through seamless offers, affordable, and secure way for Nigerians to speak with licensed doctors.
According to him, they will also be able to get e-prescriptions, and receive AI-powered health recommendations anytime, anywhere.
“It will be a very good initiative for government-owned hospitals to collaborate with telemedicine providers by integrating that into its hospital management system.
“With a doctor-to-patient ratio far below WHO recommendations, MySmartMedic’s AI system will help to analyse symptoms and recommend next steps, significantly reducing consultation times and improving diagnosis accuracy.
“The platform also offers instant doctor consultations via video, audio, or chat prescription refills, drug delivery for seamless medication access, specialist Access for chronic disease management, dermatology, mental health, and more.
“Given the shortfall in healthcare workers, health centers and funding, Telemedicine remains the easiest, fastest and affordable means of offering a certain category of health services to the rural areas.
“MySmartMedic aligns with Nigeria’s digital health transformation goals, aiming to support government and private healthcare initiatives in improving nationwide healthcare accessibility,” he said.
The Village Head of Galadimawa, Alhaji Musa Barde expressed happiness and enthusiasm about the potential of the initiative to bridge the healthcare gap in rural communities.
Barde said the initiative would go a long way in helping Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) to cater for more people in the community.
“I am very happy that you are starting with our community. I will give you my full support to ensure its success,” he said.