The Senate on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish a legal and regulatory framework for the development, coordination and integration of electronic health services across Nigeria.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, is designed to modernise healthcare delivery by promoting the use of digital technologies, including telemedicine, electronic medical records and health information systems.
Leading the debate, Barau said the bill would provide the legal foundation needed to transform Nigeria’s healthcare sector and improve access to quality medical services.
“Nigeria cannot afford to remain on the margins of the global digital health transformation. This bill provides the legal framework needed to modernise healthcare delivery in our hospitals,” he said.
He noted that despite investments in the health sector, challenges such as paper-based medical records, fragmented patient information and limited access to specialist healthcare continue to affect service delivery.
According to him, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of telemedicine, remote consultations and electronic health information systems in ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services during emergencies.
Barau said the absence of comprehensive legislation has led to fragmented implementation, inconsistent standards and uncertainty over legal responsibilities in the delivery of digital healthcare services.
“Through telemedicine, patients in remote communities will consult qualified healthcare professionals without travelling long distances. It will improve access to quality healthcare and reduce pressure on tertiary hospitals,” he added.
He further explained that the bill would strengthen data protection, enhance disease surveillance, reduce patient waiting time through electronic appointment systems and encourage innovation within Nigeria’s digital economy.
The Deputy Senate President said the proposed legislation aligns with the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda, universal health coverage objectives, the Nigeria Data Protection Act and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Supporting the bill, Senator Mohammed Monguno said it would provide the legal backing required for nationwide deployment of electronic healthcare services.
“The whole world has embraced technology in healthcare delivery. This bill will safeguard medical records and align Nigeria’s electronic healthcare services with international best practices,” Monguno said.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu also described the bill as timely, saying digital healthcare would improve access to medical services, particularly for people in underserved communities.
“Medical services are expensive and difficult to access in many communities. With this digital approach, we will reach more Nigerians and improve healthcare delivery,” Kalu said.
Similarly, Senator Tony Nwoye said the legislation would expand access to healthcare, especially in rural areas where specialist medical services remain limited.
“The bill will reduce pressure on tertiary hospitals, improve access to telemedicine and ensure patients can easily retrieve their medical records,” Nwoye said.
Following widespread support from lawmakers, the bill was passed for second reading through a voice vote.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio subsequently referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), directing the committee to report back within four weeks.
