Reps urge FG to investigate telemedicine operations in Nigeria

House of Representatives, on Wednesday, urged the Federal Government to investigate telemedicine operations in the country.

This followed the adoption of a motion titled “Need to investigate the operations of telemedicine practitioners in Nigeria,” moved by Hon Blessing Amadi at the plenary.

The House in addition urged the Federal Government to conduct research on the operations of telemedicine practitioners across the country

Telemedicine is the use of electronic information to communicate technologies to provide and support healthcare when distance separates the participants.

While moving the motion, the lawmaker noted that “Telemedicine is a fast-growing area of healthcare with significant potential for improving access to health care and well-being of people by reducing delays in accessing healthcare due to time, distance, location,” saying “It ensures that a person with limited access to care, receives healthcare services when needed.”

She further added that ” telemedicine companies have been operating in Nigeria for about a decade, adding that the “National Health Act 2014 was signed into law to provide a legal framework for the regulation, development, and management of Nigeria’s Health System.”

According to her, ” the House is aware that the legal framework covers patient safety and quality of care, data protection and privacy, verification of medical licensing and qualifications, ethical considerations covering consent and confidentiality.”

She however lamented that there is no legal framework for telemedicine operators, adding that “Some providers have been asking for a blueprint/guidance while some are using the information gathered from the United Kingdom.”

The lack of a specific legal framework for Telemedicine operators, according to the lawmaker, could potentially put Nigerians at significant risk even as she added that “Telemedicine has a huge potential and will benefit the country due to shortage of clinicians to meet the demands in the country.”

Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Health and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to undertake research on the operation of Telemedicine Practitioners in Nigeria.

The House further mandated the Committee on Healthcare Services to convene a legislative summit with all stakeholders in Telemedicine and policymakers to facilitate the process of creating a legal framework for Telemedicine operators in Nigeria and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.