Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra on Wenesday, officially commissioned the telemicidine hub in the state.
He said the hub is a starting point which will be used as a case study in 10 community healthcare centres within Oyi local government area of the state to experiment its effectiveness before linking it to other healthcare centres across the 175 communities in the state.
Soludo stated that, “It will get to other communities in a couple of months.”
The governor who performed the commissioning ceremony at Comprehensive Medical Centre Awkuzu, in Oyi Council Area, where the hub is located, said it was part of his plans to boost the healthcare system in Anambra State.
He said the new medical approach was to make up for the deficit in healthcare professionals in the state.
The Telemedicine Centre is first of its kind to be launched in Nigeria.
He beckoned on Awkuzu community especially the youths to ensure adequate protection of the facility.
Dr.Afam Obidike, the state Commissioner for Health, in his address said, “The initiative will increase access and improve healthcare delivery in the state.”
According to Obidike, telemedicine is the use of telecommunication technology to remotely diagnose and treat patients from any location, adding that it could be through telephone conversation, e-mail or instant messaging conversation.
He said, “It is an innovative way of getting access and delivering healthcare through digital devices such as mobile devices and computers. It is from United States Of America.
“Telemedicine means that you can be in the comfort of your home and book an appointment to see a doctor that is working anywhere in the world.
“The hub would enable Anambrarians to get medical attention globally.”
The Commissioner added that the 400-500 primary health centres in the State will soon experience Telemedicine Hub.
Chief Emmanuel Nweke,The Oyi Local Government Area Transition Committee Chairman, while applauding the governor for the project, promised to ensure adequate security in and around the Hub.
The Telemedicine Hub was built by Adimma Awkuzu Association in partnership with Anambra State ministry of health. Some guests at the commissioning, expressed their joy over the project.
