Senate Passes Bill to Digitise Nigeria's Healthcare System for Second Reading

Senate Passes Bill to Digitise Nigeria's Healthcare System

for Second Reading

The Senate has passed a bill to digitise Nigeria's healthcare system for second reading, a move that could improve access, efficiency, and quality of medical services in Nigerian hospitals.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau Leads Debate

Leading the debate, the sponsor of the bill, Senator Jibrin Barau, said the proposed legislation would provide the legal foundation for a modern, technology-driven healthcare system capable of improving access, efficiency, and quality of medical services in Nigerian hospitals. Barau emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford to remain on the margins of the global digital health transformation.

Challenges Facing Nigeria's Healthcare System

According to Barau, despite investments in the health sector, Nigeria's healthcare system still faces challenges, including paper-based medical records, fragmented patient information, and limited access to specialist care. He noted that the absence of comprehensive legislation has resulted in fragmented implementation, inconsistent standards, and uncertainty over legal responsibilities in digital healthcare delivery.

Benefits of Digitisation

Barau said the bill would strengthen data protection, improve disease surveillance, reduce waiting times through electronic appointment systems, and stimulate innovation in Nigeria's digital economy. He emphasized that the legislation aligns with the Federal Government's digital transformation agenda, universal health coverage objectives, the Nigeria Data Protection Act, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Senators Contribute to Debate

Contributing to the debate, Sen. Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North) said the bill would provide the legal backing required for the deployment of electronic healthcare services across the country. Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North) described the bill as timely, saying digital healthcare would expand access to medical services and reduce the burden of distance on patients.

Senate Passes Bill for Second Reading

Following overwhelming support, the Senate passed the bill for second reading by voice vote. Senate President Godswill Akpabio subsequently referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) with a mandate to report back within four weeks.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio

Godswill Akpabio has been the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-West since 2023. He previously served as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015.