PROF. Wale Suleiman, a neurosurgeon at Tulane University, New Orleans, USA, has advocated the adoption of a tele-health system for optimal healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Suleiman recently appointed Special Adviser on Health Matters to Gov. Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara, made the advocacy during a two-day symposium tagged: “Partnership for Health Innovation in Kwara State,” holding in Ilorin.
Telehealth is the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access health care services remotely and manage health.
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In telehealth, the devices can be used to upload food logs, medications, dosing and blood sugar levels for review by a medical practitioner who responds electronically.
In his presentation, Suleiman said that technology improvements had a significant impact on health care and delivery with the increased use of out-patients.
He also said for health care services to develop in the country, there must be the use of data to develop policies.
According to him, theories can be applied in primary health care as well as secondary health care.
Suleiman said he believed in transformational changes in the design, delivery, access, safety and quality of healthcare, utilising modern technology.
The special adviser emphasised the need for a collective effort to evolve a health system that would work for all.
He expressed hope that the outcome of the symposium would bring out workable recommendations to help the government improve on the health sector.
The don noted that people now lived in a digital age which entailed thinking ahead and adding value to patients through digital technology.
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