Nigeria’s Vice President was in Abia state to launch Dial a Doc Direct initiative
The Abia state government has set a new landmark in the history of healthcare system in Nigeria through the introduction of tele-health initiative also known as Dial a Doctor.
This initiative is regarded as the first of it kind in Nigeria, making it possible for every member of the community both in the rural and urban centres to access medical health care by dialling a dedicated GSM number and instantly get medical attention from a doctor from the very comfort of their homes.
Tele-health is the application of telecommunication technologies to healthcare. Tele-health is a platform that provides healthcare remotely by means of telecommunications technology.
The benefits of tele-health initiative are so enormous that would cut the time spent travelling to see a doctor or waiting in line to see a doctor in a healthcare facility.
Speaking at the official commissioning of the initiative, Nigeria’s vice president; Professor Yemi Osinbajo commended Abia state government for the laudable project to better the lots of the people in the delivery of quality healthcare services.
He further reiterated the Federal government’s commitment to improving the quality of the healthcare system.
Professor Osinbajo described the project as exciting, adding that it is leveraging on available technology, in this case, the mobile phone to deliver affordable healthcare to the people.
He stressed further that such technology would close the healthcare gap between the urban and rural areas.
Abia State governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu described the initiative as “a dream come true” he said the initiative is “the future of healthcare delivery in Nigeria and Africa”.
According to him, the state government would leverage on the programme not only to improve life expectancy in Abia but surpass the average national life expectancy.