A Clinical Entrepreneur, Dr Lanre Olaitan, says he has developed a medical software that allows patients to consult doctors, nurses or physiotherapists right from their smartphones.
Olaitan said at the launch of PriveDoc in Lagos on Thursday that the app would allow patients to video call or web chat with a physician or specialist from the comfort of their homes.
“By downloading the PriveDoc app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, any patient in Nigeria who has a smartphone and internet connection can be speaking with a doctor within 90 seconds,” Olaitan said.
The UK-trained accident and emergency medical doctor said that PriveDoc, powered by Nigeria Digital Health Service (NDHS), would eliminate the need to travel to see a healthcare specialist.
“With PriveDoc’s technology, anyone can consult with a doctor, get diagnosed and receive their prescriptions in the comfort of their own private space.
“PriveDoc doctors are top-class Nigerians and highly trained and diversified professionals from the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
“All the doctors and specialists are carefully handpicked nationally and globally to provide the patients with the best medical care regardless of their locations.
“For an affordable fee as low as N150, patients can interface with doctors, using their android phones to access instant medical care and avoid delays which may worsen the initial ailment,” Olaitan said.
He said that the app was developed to bridge the gap between patients in need of urgent and efficient medical attention and the limited number of healthcare professionals.
The expert said that the initiative would improve access to high-quality care and reduce waiting times, mortality rates as well as aid early diagnoses and overall patient’s satisfaction.
Olaitan said the software had won several UK Government awards such as Innovate UK Digital Catalyst and received N135 million (283,000 British pounds) grant from four UK agencies including Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), Innovate UK and Oxford Innovation Opportunity Network.
He said that upon request, patients could also enjoy affordable and easy access to quality healthcare services through private physical visits by doctors from its subsidiary, Lamjay Health and other partner hospitals across the country.
Olaitan noted that a major obstacle Nigerian healthcare industry was facing was the issue of poor patient’s record management.
According to the 30-year-old physician, the Nigerian health system is not well-digitised in a way in which it can deal with the modern demands of the patient.
“With PriveDoc, patient medical record is secured and accessible to the patient and clinician in order to preserve the continuity of good care.
“We are putting the doctor in the hands of any patient in need regardless of time or location,” the doctor said.
He said that the initiative would assist doctors and nurses to improve efficiency in emergency medicine, outpatient departments and general practice.
NAN
The attitude to work by th PriveDoc and Lamjayhealth team is nothing short of great. We are looking forward to Nigerians embracing this new technology. It is the future of health care.