Intel Nigeria bags telemedicine award

INTEL Corporation Nigeria has bagged the best Nigerian Telemedicine Entrepreneurial Company for 2008.

According to Jasmine Malone of Frost & Sullivan, organisers of the event which took place recently in South Africa, Intel Nigeria was recognized for its demonstration of sound entrepreneurial ability and commitments towards improving access to quality healthcare through technology.

The award also highlighted the company’s unique offerings and solid platforms in this regard.

Business Development Manager Intel Nigeria, Mr. David Ibhawoh, said “the award corroborates Intel’s proficiency to identify with market needs and also as a commendable solutions provider, adding that Intel Corporation was the first commercial organisation to get involved in implementing Telemedicine technology and support systems in Nigeria.“

Mr. Ibhawoh pointed out that the successful implementation of healthcare in Nigeria requires involvement of both the participating hospitals and supports from government institutions.

“Intel Corporation has been able to establish cordial working relationships with the Ministry of Health and other agencies to facilitate speedy and seamless flow of activities,” he said.

This, he said, provided the company with a suitable platform for expanding the programme to include several of the biggest and most advanced teaching hospitals in the country after the success of the initial phases.

“For instance, Intel Corporation’s proof of concept project which was launched in Nigeria in November 2007 provides an essential platform for the expansion of telemedicine and other e-health initiatives which hold the potential to be the basis for alleviating Africa’s healthcare workforce crisis,”he said.

Videoconferencing and remote diagnostic equipment at Intel’s National Hospital Abuja project provides thousands of Nigerians invaluable access to specialist times and health services”, he said.

Ibhawoh further said that Intel Corporation has a significant focus on the provision of community development support systems which are particularly relevant in emerging markets such as Nigeria for ensuring sustainability of the tailor-made solutions.

“Apart from the initiation of this proof of concept, Intel Corporation is involved in learning programmes for schools, teachers and other professionals” he noted, emphasizing that Intel is working to advance a vision of unifying health information and access and making it more readily available, ensuring the best quality of life and affordable care for everyone.

“Our offerings help to connect people and systems, improve collaboration for more informed decision making and bring about new approaches that directly improve healthcare programmes. Thus allowing health centres and hospitals to more efficiently provide services to a broader population, help protect and promote better health, enhance citizens’ health status and minimize cost of service,” he declared.

Highlighting that today, a new generation of technology solution is poised to help health care organisations overcome long established barriers, enabling people to access improved healthcare services faster.

“These will make them function more effectively and efficiently,” he said.

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