In a significant stride towards improving healthcare delivery, the Lagos State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Global Fund and the Saving One Million Lives Program for Results (SOMLPforR), commissioned a series of cutting-edge projects at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic in Alausa, Ikeja. The projects, designed to enhance digital healthcare, power reliability, and security, mark a new chapter in service delivery for staff and patients.

The commissioned projects include a state-of-the-art Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, funded by the Global Fund through its Grant Management Unit, and three additional projects supported by SOMLPforR: a 30kVA hybrid lithium-powered solar inverter system, a 25-camera CCTV system, and the installation of 38 electrical fans. These initiatives aim to ensure a seamless patient experience, reduced clinic downtime, improved security, and better working conditions for healthcare providers.

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, emphasized the critical role of collaboration in achieving a functional health system. “Healthcare is a complex system, and every part must work together seamlessly. Digitalization is not just about catching up; it’s about creating a system that’s efficient, patient-centered, and data-driven,” she noted.

Dr. Ogunyemi highlighted the importance of training healthcare workers to maximize the benefits of digital tools, stressing the need for proper maintenance and adherence to data confidentiality protocols.

Dr. Ogunyemi further explained how the projects align with the state’s broader goals of providing equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare. “An electronic health system allows us to make evidence-based decisions, track patient records efficiently, and ultimately enhance service delivery. This is a significant leap forward, and I urge everyone to embrace it wholeheartedly,” she concluded.

Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, commended the collaborative efforts that brought the projects to fruition. “This is a testament to the power of partnerships. The Global Fund provided the EMR system, while SOMLPforR addressed the critical need for reliable power, improved ventilation, and security,” he said.

Dr. Ogboye emphasized the broader vision of the state government in leveraging digital healthcare innovations. “With the planned Health Information Exchange under the Lagos Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP) initiative, this project ensures seamless patient data exchange across facilities. This will significantly reduce waiting times and enhance patient satisfaction,” he added. He also expressed optimism about the potential of these innovations to drive further advancements in the healthcare system.

Coordinator Global Fund Grant Management Unit, Mr. Biodun Omoloja highlighted the organization’s commitment to supporting healthcare advancements in Lagos State. “The EMR system is a game-changer. It not only streamlines operations but also ensures data accuracy, which is vital for decision-making and resource allocation,” he explained. Mr. Omoloja urged the staff to fully utilize the system and maintain it diligently, emphasizing its potential to transform healthcare delivery.

“We are proud to partner with the Lagos State Government to bring this initiative to life. It demonstrates how strategic investments can yield sustainable impacts on healthcare infrastructure and service quality,” he added.

Speaking in the same vein, SOMLPforR Program Manager, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, praised the collaboration between stakeholders. “The projects we have commissioned today reflect the government’s commitment to sustainable healthcare improvements,” she said. Dr. Erinosho pointed out that the hybrid inverter system, in particular, would address one of the most persistent challenges in Nigerian healthcare: power reliability.

She also reiterated SOMLPforR’s dedication to ensuring the success of such initiatives. “We are committed to supporting innovative solutions that bridge gaps in healthcare delivery and improve outcomes for all citizens,” she stated.

Director of Staff Health Services, Dr. Abdulrasheed Kolade, expressed gratitude for the improvements. He noted how the hybrid solar inverter system would ensure uninterrupted clinic operations, even during power outages. “This system will enhance service delivery, ensuring patients receive timely care without delays caused by power disruptions,” he stated. Dr. Kolade also lauded the CCTV installation, describing it as a “critical security measure” that would ensure a safer environment for both staff and patients.

The SOMLPforR Focal Person at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Dr. Olasunkanmi Muritala, described the projects as a “welcome development” for staff and patients alike. “The impact of these projects will be felt immediately. From faster patient registration to improved working conditions for staff, the difference is already evident,” he remarked.

Dr. Muritala also emphasized the need for sustainability. “It’s now up to us to ensure these systems are maintained and used to their full potential. With proper management, these innovations will serve us for years to come,” he concluded.

The projects underscore Lagos State’s commitment to leveraging technology and partnerships to enhance healthcare delivery. As the clinic continues operations with these new systems, the anticipated improvements in efficiency, security, and patient satisfaction signal a promising future for healthcare in the state.

Speaking on the impact of the project to service delivery, the Principal Health Information Officer at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Mrs. Olatunji Aguda Adenike, expressed immense satisfaction with the introduction of the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system at the clinic. She described how the new system has transformed the workflow, eliminating the need to search manually for patient files in the storeroom.

According to her, the EMR system allows seamless patient registration and documentation, improving efficiency and saving valuable time. “This initiative is a blessing to the medical records department and has significantly enhanced service delivery,” she said, appreciating the Permanent Secretary, Global Fund, and SOMLPforR for their support.

Patients at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic have commended the recent introduction of the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system for streamlining operations and reducing wait times. Jimoh Abdullahi Bolakale, a frequent user of the clinic, highlighted the transformation, noting that file retrieval, which used to cause long delays, has become instantaneous. “Now, with just my name, my records are retrieved, and I am promptly directed to the necessary departments without wasting time,” he remarked. Bolakale expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the project, emphasizing the positive impact on patients’ experiences.

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