LASG LAUNCHES ‘LAGOS SHIP’ TO REVOLUTIONIZE HEALTHCARE DELIVERY
By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with Interswitch Group, has officially launched the Lagos State Health Information Platform (Lagos SHIP), a groundbreaking digital initiative aimed at transforming healthcare delivery across the state.
The announcement was made during a stakeholders’ engagement forum, marking a significant step towards providing seamless and efficient healthcare services for the residents of Lagos.
The Lagos SHIP platform, designed to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, leverages Interswitch’s advanced technology to create a comprehensive health information system.
Through this platform, Lagos residents will have access to a wide array of healthcare services, including booking appointments, paying for consultations, accessing medical records, and purchasing medications all through a streamlined digital interface.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, highlighted the transformative potential of Lagos SHIP, emphasizing its role in enhancing patient care and operational efficiency within the healthcare sector.
“By embracing Lagos SHIP, we can streamline healthcare operations, reduce administrative burdens, and make more informed decisions,”Prof. Abayomi stated.
“These improvements will translate into cost savings, better resource allocation, and ultimately, improved patient outcomes.”
The platform’s launch is part of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader commitment to ensuring access to quality, efficient, and equitable healthcare services across Lagos, in line with the state’s Universal Healthcare Coverage goals.
Dr. Wallace Ogufere, Managing Director of Interswitch e’Clat, underscored the platform’s potential to position Lagos as a model for healthcare innovation, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.
“Through Lagos SHIP, we will support the Lagos State Government in unlocking the potential of electronic medical records, securely leveraging data from both public and private healthcare providers,” Dr. Ogufere noted.
The Lagos SHIP platform incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), to redefine the way healthcare is delivered, accessed, and experienced in Lagos.
It is designed to enhance data management, streamline operations, and foster greater collaboration between healthcare providers and government agencies.
Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, further emphasized the platform’s role in building a resilient and responsive healthcare system.
“The Lagos SHIP is not just a digital platform; it is the foundation for a more resilient and responsive healthcare system,” she remarked.
The stakeholders’ forum also featured insights from key figures in the Lagos healthcare sector, including Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, who highlighted the platform’s patient-centered approach.
“SHIP is going to allow us to be more patient-focused, enhancing individualized care and leading to better outcomes for patients,” Dr. Ogboye stated.
The forum concluded with a presentation by Mr. Olufemi Olapegba, Managing Director of Digital Health Platform, Interswitch, who provided an overview of the technological infrastructure supporting Lagos SHIP.
He noted that the platform adheres to global best practices for health information exchange and offers services such as patient demography management, e-prescriptions, and the seamless exchange of clinical data through Summary Care Records.
The launch of Lagos SHIP marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government and Interswitch to revolutionize healthcare delivery, with the ultimate goal of improving the health and well-being of millions of Lagos residents.