Godswill Njoku: Transforming Nigeria’s Healthcare Landscape with Technology

Godswill Njoku, a 24-year-old Nigerian founder of Hospiyou Inc., seeks to revolutionize healthcare using technology and AI. In an interview, he discusses his personal journey and the current state of Nigeria’s healthcare system, emphasizing the rapid evolution of telemedicine and the challenges it faces regarding infrastructure and regulation. He advocates for private sector collaboration and innovative technological solutions to improve accessibility and quality of care in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas.

Godswill Njoku, a 24-year-old Nigerian innovator in healthcare, aims to transform the medical landscape by integrating technology and artificial intelligence through his company, Hospiyou Inc. This health technology firm focuses on creating medical devices and products that enhance the accessibility and affordability of quality healthcare worldwide. Njoku, in an interview with Kenneth Athekame, discussed the promising future of telemedicine and the current state of Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

Njoku’s journey began with a medical education in Bulgaria, where he gained extensive experience working in various European hospitals, mainly in neurosurgery and cardiology. His inspiration to pursue telemedicine stemmed from a personal tragedy— the loss of his best friend due to lack of timely healthcare access. He believes that his platform, Hospiyou, could have prevented that loss by enabling quicker medical attention.

He described Nigeria’s healthcare system as significantly challenged, grappling with underfunding, insufficient infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled professionals. While many Nigerians rely on private healthcare due to distrust in local facilities, Njoku self-funded his venture, even sacrificing housing to build Hospiyou, highlighting the difficulties faced in acquiring external financial support.

Telemedicine in Nigeria has seen rapid growth in recent years, largely fueled by increased smartphone use, better internet access, and the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact. However, challenges persist, including infrastructural limitations and regulatory hurdles that slow down widespread adoption. Njoku notes that adoption rates are hampered by issues such as inadequate digital literacy among healthcare providers and patients, as well as trust concerns surrounding remote care.

Telemedicine effectively addresses healthcare accessibility gaps, particularly in rural areas, by facilitating remote consultations and reducing the costs associated with travel. New mobile health applications are helping chronic patients manage their conditions remotely. Urban areas see increased telemedicine acceptance due to improved internet access; however, rural areas still face connectivity challenges.

In terms of policy, Nigeria’s telehealth regulations are still developing, lagging behind countries like the US and UK. The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria has started issuing guidelines, but enforcement remains weak. Most progress in telemedicine in Nigeria has been driven by private entities rather than government initiatives, even though the latter has launched programs like the National Health ICT Strategic Framework to bolster digital health.

Despite lacking robust governmental support in telemedicine, some initiatives from private firms are pushing innovation. Njoku advocates for collaboration amongst telemedicine startups, telecommunications companies, and banks, which could significantly enhance healthcare services. He has also observed that while telemedicine improves accessibility, it brings a potential impersonal rapport between patients and healthcare providers, reinforcing the need for educational outreach to build trust in this medium.

Godswill Njoku’s pursuit of healthcare innovation represents a crucial step toward improving Nigeria’s medical landscape. By leveraging technology and AI to enhance telemedicine, he addresses pressing issues in accessibility and affordability. Though challenges remain, particularly regarding regulations and infrastructure, the future of telemedicine in Nigeria holds promise for systemic improvement in healthcare delivery. Collaborative efforts between the private sector and governmental bodies are vital for realizing this potential.

Original Source: businessday.ng