The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening telemedicine services to improve access to quality healthcare across the state.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, announced this during an interactive session with doctors overseeing telemedicine services on Tuesday in Awka.
Obidike stated that the government is working to expand the program so residents can access medical consultations regardless of their location.
“Every resident in Anambra should be able to access a doctor anywhere in the state through telemedicine. Our goal is to make quality healthcare available and accessible to all through technology,” he said.
He highlighted proper documentation and uploading of patients’ medical records on the telemedicine portal as a key strategy for improving service delivery.
According to him, digital records would enable seamless continuity of care, allowing doctors to access patients’ treatment histories and continue management without interruption.
“When patient records and treatment details are uploaded to the portal, another doctor can easily continue treatment from where the previous doctor stopped, ensuring continuity of care,” he explained.
Obidike also emphasized the need for better coordination among healthcare workers.
He noted that doctors should be able to communicate virtually with Officers-in-Charge within their respective local government areas.
He added that such collaboration would improve response times and service delivery across health facilities.
The commissioner proposed introducing a follow-up mechanism enabling doctors to reconnect with patients after consultations when necessary.
“Once a consultation ends, doctors should be able to call back patients to provide further guidance and address their health concerns,” he said.
Obidike called for increased awareness of telemedicine through community engagement, complementing existing radio sensitization campaigns.
“We must work with the Anambra State Association of Town Unions and other community groups to educate our people on the benefits of telemedicine and how to access these services,” he stated.
He also disclosed that some medical professionals based in the United States have expressed interest in participating in telemedicine consultations in the state.
According to him, such collaborations would improve access to specialist healthcare, though specialist consultations should remain the responsibility of qualified medical doctors.
In his remarks, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, Director of Medical Services, urged healthcare providers to utilize the Anambra State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System to bridge referral gaps.
Chukwulobelu said this initiative would facilitate timely transfers of patients needing advanced medical attention and improve healthcare outcomes across the state.
