Anambra to Boost Telemedicine for Better Healthcare Access

The Anambra State Government is focused on improving telemedicine services to give people better access to quality healthcare in the state.

The Health Commissioner, Afam Obidike, shared this during a meeting with doctors managing telemedicine services on Tuesday in Awka.

Mr Obidike said the government plans to expand the program so that residents can get medical consultations no matter where they are.

“Every resident in Anambra should be able to access a doctor in any part of the state through telemedicine.

“Our goal is to make quality healthcare available and accessible to all through technology,” he said.

The commissioner pointed out that proper documentation and uploading of patients’ medical records on the telemedicine portal is key to improving service delivery.

He mentioned that having digital records would allow for smooth continuity of care, letting doctors review patients’ treatment histories and continue their management without any breaks.

“When patient records and treatment details are uploaded on the portal, another doctor can easily continue treatment from where the previous doctor stopped, ensuring continuity of care,” he said.

Mr Obidike also highlighted the need for better teamwork among healthcare workers.

He said doctors should be able to communicate online with officers-in-charge in their local government areas.

According to him, this kind of teamwork will help improve response times and service delivery in health facilities.

The commissioner suggested introducing a follow-up system that would let doctors reconnect with patients after consultations when necessary.

“Once a consultation ends, doctors should be able to call back patients when necessary to provide further guidance and ensure their health concerns are properly addressed,” he said.

Mr Obidike called for more awareness of telemedicine services through community outreach, in addition to the radio campaigns already in place.

“We must work with the Anambra State Association of Town Unions and other community groups to educate our people on the benefits of telemedicine and how they can access these services,” he said.

The commissioner also revealed that some medical professionals in the United States have shown interest in joining telemedicine consultations in the state.

According to him, such partnerships would improve access to specialist healthcare services, while specialist consultations should only be done by qualified medical doctors.

The Director of Medical Services, Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, encouraged healthcare providers to make use of the Anambra State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System to fill referral gaps.

Mr Chukwulobelu stated that this initiative would help ensure timely transfers of patients needing advanced medical attention and improve healthcare outcomes in the state.