…as Lagos, Interswitch Group Continue to Revolutionise Healthcare
Following the recent signing concession agreement to launch the Lagos State Health Information Platform (Lagos SHIP), the Lagos State Government and Interswitch Group have organised a stakeholders’ engagement forum to onboard stakeholders in the health sector on the concept of the Lagos SHIP, marking another milestone in the journey towards providing unrestricted healthcare access for Lagos State residents.
Lagos SHIP is a digital healthcare platform designed to boost healthcare services by leveraging 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. Lagos residents will be able to book appointments, pay for consultations, access medical records, and purchase medications with ease using the platform.
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 Lagos SHIP initiative will create enhanced experiences for all healthcare stakeholders and enable residents to access quality healthcare services.
The Commissioner disclosed that stakeholders and partners in the Lagos SHIP include the Lagos State Government, eClat Interswitch, medical providers and practitioners in the private and public sector, health insurers and management organizations (HMOs), policymakers, economic planners for resource allocation, researchers, the international community, digital service providers and innovators, residents of Lagos State and medical tourists or users from outside Lagos.
“The Lagos SHIP 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, early warning systems and emergency management, training, virtual clinics, robotics and AI solutions, the global hub of virtual connectivity, international collaborations, multiple opportunities for digital innovative solutions, cost efficiencies, regulation and clinical governance”, he said.
The Managing Director of Interswitch eClat, Dr. Wallace Ogufere stated that Interswitch, through its healthcare subsidiary Interswitch eClat, is working with the Lagos State Government to improve health outcomes in the state. As a development partner and supporter of the government’s developmental agenda, Dr. Ogufere 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.
His words, “Through Lagos SHIP, we will support the Lagos 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”.
By leveraging 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”, Dr. Ogufere added.
The Lagos SHIP Engagement Forum was organized to raise awareness for SHIP and its benefits, educate stakeholders on its functionalities, secure stakeholders’ buy-in and support for SHIP adoption, and address concerns related to data security and privacy in the Lagos healthcare ecosystem.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi highlighted the transformative potential of the SHIP, stressing that it can enhance healthcare delivery through improved data management, streamlined operations, and better patient engagement.
She added that the Lagos SHIP is set to address critical challenges in the health sector by managing, analysing, and utilising 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.
Adding to the discourse, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye elaborated on the platform’s patient-focused approach. “SHIP is going to allow us to be more patient-focused. We are already patient-focused, but SHIP gives us that extra incentive, that extra step towards individualised care, leading to better outcomes for patients”, Dr. Ogboye remarked.
He explained how SHIP will empower healthcare professionals to work at their best, reducing errors, improving diagnosis and fostering global collaboration, noting that SHIP will also help mitigate the “Japa Syndrome” by creating a more conducive environment for healthcare workers, enhancing job satisfaction, and encouraging professional development.
“On the patient side, 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. SHIP will allow a positive, effective, and efficient interaction between the healthcare provider and the patient, underscoring the platform’s potential to transform patient engagement”, Dr. Ogboye stated,
The PS also highlighted the strategic role of SHIP in achieving the state’s long-term healthcare objectives, aligning with the Governor’s THEMES Plus Agenda. He emphasised that SHIP will facilitate faster and more efficient contact during health crises, improve data analytics, and enhance decision-making processes within the healthcare sector.
Managing Director, Digital Health Platform, Interswitch, Mr. Olufemi Olapegba provided key insights into the technological backbone of the SHIP initiative. Highlighting the platform’s design, Olapegba explained that SHIP is fundamentally a health information exchange platform that seamlessly connects the demand and supply sides of healthcare.
Olapegba outlined several key services that SHIP 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.
Another critical feature of SHIP is the Summary Care Records API, which facilitates the exchange of clinical data, ensuring that vital details required for continuous care are easily accessible to healthcare providers. 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 noted.
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 Lagos SHIP will catalyse positive transformation within the healthcare sector, ultimately improving the well-being of millions of residents.