Experts urge government incentives and infrastructure support for local digital health innovators

At a recent health forum in Abuja, experts issued a strong call to the Nigerian government to stop relying on foreign tech solutions and start supporting local innovators. They argued that for digital health to succeed, it must be built by people who understand the local context. The experts emphasized that the government needs to go beyond just making policies; they must provide financial incentives like tax breaks to encourage private companies to invest in healthcare technology.

A major point of discussion was the state of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs). Many of these centers lack basic infrastructure like steady electricity and internet, which makes using modern digital tools impossible. The experts urged the government to invest directly in upgrading these facilities. They also called for "co-creation," where tech developers work alongside frontline health workers to design tools that actually work in rural settings. By prioritizing local solutions and fixing infrastructure, the government can create a sustainable digital health ecosystem that truly serves the people.

Read the original article at: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/811205-experts-urge-government-to-incentivise-digital-health-innovators-strengthen-phcs-with-local-solutions.html


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