Representing Interswitch Group on the summit’s flagship technology panel on day 1, themed “The Future of Technology and Innovation” was Babafemi Ogungbamila, executive vice-president (EVP) for Operations and Technology.

Speaking to an audience of investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and global business leaders, Ogungbamila drew on Interswitch’s foundational story to deliver what became one of the session’s most cited contributions: a frank, first-hand account of what it truly takes to build technology infrastructure in Africa; not in theory, but from the ground up, against the odds, and before the market was ready to reward the effort.

“Without the right rails, even the best products will stall before reaching scale,” Ogungbamila asserted. “We built Nigeria’s first successful digital interbank transaction infrastructure in 2002. Nobody was asking us to build it. There was no guaranteed return. But we understood that the companies that build the foundational layer of an ecosystem don’t just compete in that ecosystem; they shape it. That principle holds as powerfully today as it did then.”

His contribution to the panel was rooted in a founding narrative that remains as instructive today as it was defining in 2002.

When Interswitch was established in Lagos by Founder and Group CEO Mitchell Elegbe, there was essentially no technology ecosystem to speak of. No digital payments infrastructure. No interoperability between financial institutions.

No playbook from which to build.

According to him, what Lagos offered instead was something more powerful than infrastructure: a market whose economic ambition had already outpaced its digital capacity – a gap that became Interswitch’s founding mandate.

“In 2002, there was no ecosystem” Ogungbamila reflected. “No blueprint. No guarantee that what we were building would find a market. Just a sprawling, complex, commercially ferocious city whose economy was moving faster than its digital infrastructure could carry. That gap was our invitation.”

That invitation produced Nigeria’s first interoperable digital payments switching infrastructure, the invisible backbone that today processes the majority of Nigeria’s electronic transactions and connects banks, merchants, fintechs, and consumers across the country’s financial ecosystem at scale.

Speaking to the broader question of what conditions are required to scale African technology companies into globally competitive enterprises, Ogungbamila was emphatic that infrastructure depth, and the institutional courage to invest in it before the market offers its reward, remains the defining variable separating technology companies that endure from those that plateau. 

“The companies that build the foundational layer of an ecosystem don’t just compete in that ecosystem, they shape it” he reiterated. “Twenty-three years on, that principle is not nostalgia. It is our operating philosophy, and it is more relevant now than ever, as Lagos cements its place as one of Africa’s foremost technology and innovation hubs, and as the next generation of African builders constructs what comes next.”

Ogungbamila further referenced The Lagos Smart Health Information Platform, known as Lagos SHIP or LAGSHIP as a first-of-its-kind initiative developed by Digital Health Platform Limited, a Special Purpose Vehicle comprising the Lagos State Ministry of Health and Interswitch eClat, designed to digitize and integrate patients’ health records across the state into a single, comprehensive platform, enabling a robust Health Information Exchange system that gives healthcare providers real-time access to comprehensive patient records for more informed decision-making, while simultaneously empowering patients with unprecedented control over their personal health data.

Beyond individual patient care, LAGSHIP eliminates the inefficiencies of manual data handling, ensures data confidentiality and privacy, and equips the Lagos State Government with the data intelligence needed to plan and coordinate healthcare services across all levels, from primary healthcare centres to tertiary institutions.

This essentially transforms fragmented, error-prone record management into a unified, policy-grade infrastructure for a city of over 22 million people

Such an intervention, which essentially seeks to replicate in healthcare, how technology was leveraged by Interswitch, based on infrastructure-thinking, to transform banking and payments (resulting in tremendous multiplier effects) about 2 decades ago, speaks to forward-thinking vision by the leadership of Lagos State.

Ogungbamila further addressed the conditions required to drive inclusive, broad-based economic growth through technology, arguing that connectivity must be treated as constitutional infrastructure, that public-private partnerships must be designed around community need rather than commercial convenience, and that regulatory frameworks must be built to enable innovation rather than merely govern it.

On artificial intelligence specifically, he called for African governments to invest in regulatory capacity before regulatory complexity highlighting that understanding must precede legislation if Africa is to capture the full economic value of the AI revolution.

A central theme of Interswitch’s participation at the summit was the role of Lagos not merely as a commercial hub, but as the specific environment whose scale, complexity, and appetite for solutions gave Interswitch the mandate and the market to become what it is today.

Africa’s first homegrown technology unicorn was not built despite Lagos’s infrastructure challenges. In many meaningful ways, it was built because of them.

That framing carries particular resonance at a moment when Lagos is actively positioning itself as the investment destination of choice for global capital flowing into African technology, financial services, and digital infrastructure.

Interswitch’s story, from a 2002 startup operating in a vacuum of digital financial infrastructure to a billion-dollar pan-African enterprise operating across over 23 countries is, in many ways, Lagos’ story told through the lens of a company that bet on the city before the city had fully bet on itself.

The high-profile summit, convened under the auspices of the Lagos State Government and themed ‘Lagos: Business Gateway to Africa’ expectedly drew a distinguished gathering of public and private sector leaders from across Africa and the global investment community, including Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Executive Governor of Lagos State, and a slew of other state governors from across Nigeria, as well as members of the Federal Executive Council, whose presence underscored the strategic importance of the summit as a platform for shaping Africa’s investment and innovation agenda.

The event, themed “Expanding Access to Quality Healthcare: Transforming Nigeria through Innovation, Partnership, and Sustainability,” took place on February 27th and 28th, at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, bringing together key stakeholders across the healthcare value chain, including policymakers, industry leaders, healthcare professionals, and technology innovators.

The event served as a platform for discussions on digital transformation in healthcare financing, the role of technology in improving service delivery, and strategic partnerships aimed at facilitating sustainable growth within the industry.

As a key player in digital payments, Interswitch showcased its suite of innovative healthcare solutions, including eClinic, its electronic medical record suite and health insurance management systems. The company also demonstrated its secure and reliable digital payment platforms, designed to help healthcare providers streamline revenue collection, enhance service delivery, and improve access to quality care.

Babajide Oyeduntan, vice president, Business Development and Sales, Interswitch eClat, reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to leveraging technology to advance healthcare operations in Nigeria.

“At Interswitch, we recognize the transformative power of technology in driving efficiency across systems and organizations. While we have successfully used technology to deliver seamless payment solutions, we are now extending our expertise to other sectors, including healthcare, to enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability.

Our healthcare solutions are designed to empower providers by simplifying the adoption of technology, improving patient management, and enabling sustainable growth. As a trusted partner in delivering innovative technology solutions, we have a growing portfolio of satisfied customers who have experienced increased productivity through our platforms. We are thrilled to participate in this forum to share our solutions and collaborate with other stakeholders to drive the future of healthcare in Nigeria,” Oyeduntan said.

Beyond its sponsorship of the HFN Conference, Interswitch has a track record of driving digital transformation in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

Notably, its recent partnership with the Lagos State Government led to the development of the Lagos Smart Health Information Platform (Lagos SHIP).

The initiative, aimed at digitising healthcare services in Lagos State, highlights Interswitch’s broader commitment to leveraging technology to tackle inefficiencies across essential industries like healthcare.

By integrating digital solutions into healthcare administration and payments, Interswitch continues to enhance service delivery, improve patient experiences, and drive financial sustainability, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for innovation in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.

Through continued sponsorship and active participation in key industry events like the HFN Conference, Interswitch remains at the forefront of championing digital adoption in healthcare, driving financial inclusion, and fostering an ecosystem where technology empowers healthcare providers and patients alike.

The sector did experience a year-on-year real GDP growth of 2.41% in Q2 2024, up from 1.95% in the same quarter the previous year. However, these numbers only float on the surface of the deeper issues in the healthcare system.

Government expenditure on healthcare continues to lag behind the country’s needs. In 2024, ₦1.23 trillion was allocated to health, representing less than 5% of the proposed ₦27.5 trillion aggregate government expenditure. This is still far from the 15% benchmark set by the Abuja Declaration in 2001.

Private contributions, on the other hand, outweigh government spending, with approximately 3% of Nigeria’s GDP invested in healthcare. This is considerably lower than the average among OECD countries, where healthcare investment is much higher.

For the average Nigerian household, healthcare costs are high, representing about 6% of household spending, with rural areas generally experiencing higher expenditures compared to urban centres. These figures reiterate the growing financial burden on citizens, who often rely on out-of-pocket payments for medical services.

The Broken Healthcare System

Nigeria’s healthcare system has long been underfunded, understaffed, and over-reliant on citizens bearing the cost of care directly. Public hospitals, particularly in rural areas, often lack even basic medical equipment, forcing many to travel to urban centres or abroad for treatment. Nigeria loses over $1 billion annually to medical tourism, as citizens seek quality healthcare services unavailable at home.

The situation is worsened by a shortage of medical professionals. Despite a growing population, the country continues to lose doctors, nurses, and specialists to better opportunities abroad. Over 8,000 Nigerian doctors currently practice in the UK, with many others scattered across Europe, North America, and the Middle East. This brain drain has left the healthcare system woefully understaffed, with a doctor-to-patient ratio far below the World Health Organization’s recommended standard.

In addition to these infrastructure and staffing challenges, healthcare access is highly inequitable. Urban areas are far better served than rural regions, where healthcare facilities are often nonexistent. Even in cities, high-quality care is accessible only to those who can afford it, leaving a significant portion of the population underserved.

Public-Private Partnerships: A Possible Solution for Nigeria’s Healthcare Sector?

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have become potential solutions to some of these challenges. In leveraging private sector expertise and capital, PPPs aim to improve healthcare delivery, financing, and infrastructure. 

These partnerships have been successful in other sectors, such as telecommunications and power, and there is hope that similar collaborations can help reform Nigeria’s healthcare system.

One area where PPPs have already shown promise is in the digitization of healthcare. In Lagos State, a partnership with Interswitch eClat has helped digitize medical records and expand access to health insurance, making healthcare more accessible and affordable for residents. PPPs in pharmaceutical production are also helping to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported drugs, thereby lowering costs and improving the availability of essential medicines.

However, PPPs in healthcare are not without challenges. Unlike infrastructure projects, healthcare is a more sensitive sector, where the balance between profitability and public service must be carefully managed. Private companies naturally seek to maximize returns, which can lead to higher fees or services designed for wealthier segments of society. This raises concerns about whether PPPs will truly address the healthcare needs of Nigeria’s poorest and most vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas.

The State of the Economy and Healthcare Funding Gap

A major challenge for Nigeria’s healthcare sector is its reliance on out-of-pocket expenditures. With household spending on healthcare averaging 6% of total expenses, Nigeria’s healthcare financing remains largely informal. This contrasts sharply with OECD countries, where comprehensive health insurance systems relieve citizens of the financial burden of medical expenses.

Government spending on healthcare also remains super low. At less than 5% of the national budget, Nigeria’s health investment pales in comparison to other sectors and falls well short of the Abuja Declaration target. This chronic underfunding has resulted in dilapidated facilities, low morale among healthcare workers, and inadequate healthcare services. For PPPs to succeed, the government must largely increase its investment in the health sector, both in terms of financial resources and policy reforms.

PPPs and Healthcare Innovation

While PPPs are not a panacea for Nigeria’s healthcare sector challenges, they do offer opportunities for innovation, particularly in the areas of telemedicine and pharmaceutical research.

• Telemedicine: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, and this trend has continued to grow in Nigeria. With increasing internet penetration, telemedicine presents a cost-effective solution for extending healthcare services to remote and underserved areas. By using telehealth platforms, private companies can provide consultations, diagnoses, and even prescriptions without the need for physical infrastructure. Companies like Helium Health have already started to integrate telemedicine and electronic medical records, improving the efficiency and accessibility of healthcare services.
• Pharmaceutical Research and Development: Another area where PPPs could have a changing impact is in pharmaceutical research and development (R&D). Nigeria remains heavily dependent on imported drugs, which increases healthcare costs and reduces access. By investing in local R&D, PPPs could help develop treatments for diseases that disproportionately affect African populations, such as malaria and sickle cell anaemia. This would not only improve health outcomes but also create jobs and stimulate the local economy.

Addressing the Human Resource Issue

One of the most significant challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare sector is the loss of skilled medical professionals. PPPs could help address this issue by investing in medical training and retention programs. Partnerships that focus on building medical schools, offering competitive salaries, and improving working conditions could slow the exodus of healthcare workers and ensure that Nigeria’s growing population has access to qualified doctors, nurses, and specialists.

Improving working conditions in hospitals, particularly in terms of equipment availability and facility management, is also essential. Many Nigerian doctors leave the country because they are unable to practice in conditions that allow them to provide high-quality care. Addressing these issues will ensure PPPs help retain more healthcare professionals and improve the overall quality of care.

A Timely Check on Nigeria’s Healthcare Sector 

The truism “health is wealth” remains relevant and key;  thus, one cannot start the discussion about Nigeria’s ill-designed and malfunctioning healthcare sector without recognizing its importance. It’s like the proverbial elephant: every chunk is valuable, and no part is wasted. However, before diving into details, we must acknowledge from the outset that the success or failure of this sector is critical to the nation’s overall development.

I think it safe to take my bearings from the thoughts of a former Minister of Labor in Nigeria, who, during the impasse surrounding incessant strikes by Nigeria’s medical professionals, asserted that Nigeria has enough medical practitioners to export abroad. This former doctor-turned-politician went a step further, claiming that exporting these excess medical professionals would, in the long run, generate foreign earnings for the country. While I wouldn’t say he was entirely right or wrong, let the figures decide who benefits from their exit.

As of my last count, the emigration of medical professionals from Nigeria incurs significant monetary losses, estimated between $500 million and $1 billion for training costs alone if 10,000  doctors leave. Additionally, a shortage of approximately 200,000 healthcare workers leads to increased healthcare costs, potentially exceeding $1 billion annually (WHO). This brain drain also affects economic productivity, with poor health reducing GDP by up to 10%. While remittances from emigrants reached about $24 billion in 2021, the long-term impacts of a declining healthcare system may overshadow these benefits (World Bank, 2021). Overall, Nigeria faces substantial financial challenges from this trend.

What Would a Health Insurance Scheme Offer Nigerians?

1. Increased Access  

Health insurance can significantly improve access to medical services. As of 2020, only about 5% of Nigeria’s population was covered by health insurance (National Bureau of Statistics, 2020), limiting access to necessary healthcare services. Expanding insurance coverage can help more individuals seek medical attention without financial constraints.

2. Financial Protection 

Catastrophic health expenditures can push families into poverty. According to the World Bank, approximately 70% of Nigerians face out-of-pocket health costs that can lead to financial distress (World Bank, 2021). A robust health insurance scheme can alleviate this burden, providing a safety net for families during health crises.

3. Preventive Care  

Health insurance schemes often promote preventive care. Studies show that countries with higher insurance coverage see lower rates of preventable diseases. For example, Nigeria has high rates of diseases like malaria and maternal mortality, which was approximately 512 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019 (UNICEF, 2019). Insurance could incentivize preventative measures like vaccinations and regular health check-ups.

4. Quality of Care

With insurance coverage, healthcare providers may be motivated to improve service quality to attract insured patients. A 2018 survey indicated that only 38% of Nigerians were satisfied with the quality of healthcare services (Nigerian Health Review, 2018), underscoring the need for improvement. Insurance schemes can provide the necessary funding to enhance facilities and services.

5. Sustainable Funding

A well-structured health insurance system can provide stable funding for healthcare services. According to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the goal is to increase health insurance coverage to 30% by 2025 (NHIS, 2020). This increased coverage can lead to more consistent funding streams for hospitals and clinics, improving overall service availability.

6. Public Health Initiatives

Health insurance schemes can facilitate public health initiatives by ensuring funds are allocated for preventive measures and health education. The Nigerian government allocated about 5% of its budget to health in recent years (Budget Office of the Federation, 2021), but increased insurance coverage could help supplement these funds, enhancing initiatives to combat diseases like HIV/AIDS, which affects over 1.9 million Nigerians (UNAIDS, 2020).

However, the public-private synergy also faces the twin problems of commitment from the federal government regarding the sector and an avalanche of stereotypes that have plagued the insurance industry. 

In a recent webinar organized by Clinitouch, the discussion explored how remote patient monitoring (RPM) could reduce costs for health insurers in Nigeria and Ghana. Clinitouch’s technology connects patients with clinical teams, enabling proactive management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and reducing costly hospital admissions. For instance, managing hypertension via RPM could lower annual costs from over $190 to $76.32 per patient, resulting in significant savings.

Key takeaways from Clinitouch’s webinar included insights from Dr. Noel O’Kelly, John Adesioye, and Bruce Adams, who emphasized the importance of public awareness, proactive patient management, and customer loyalty in enhancing service quality and competitive advantage for insurers. Engaging patients and clinicians is crucial for the successful adoption of RPM.

If we envision a reversal in the current trend of turning the Western world into the “Mecca” or “Jerusalem” of health, then creating the right environment through people-centered policy and investment-conscious actions is key. The trend of health service providers, such as pharmaceutical companies, leaving the shores of Nigeria is concerning.

Regarding the stereotypical perception of the insurance sector in Nigeria, although the Nigerian government has set the pace through the NHIS to cater to the health of the people, unfortunately, the NHIS only addresses civil servants, who constitute less than 2% of the population. The majority of those working in the informal sector are not captured by these provisions.

The truth is, with our teeming population, we cannot rely exclusively on government provisions for health; traditional ideas of meeting our health needs may not be the solution. What is evident from the discussions surrounding public-private initiatives in the health sector and the role of insurance is that government input is critical for success. While the maxim that “government has no business in business” holds some truth, it is undeniable that the government needs to create an environment for business to thrive.

For record-keeping, in 2022, Nigerians reportedly spent around $800 million on medical treatments abroad, highlighting persistent challenges in the domestic healthcare system. This trend continued in 2023, with expenditures exceeding $1 billion, further underscoring the difficulties faced by local healthcare infrastructure. As many individuals seek better medical services overseas, this financial outlay reflects an urgent need for improvements within Nigeria’s healthcare sector (The Guardian, 2022; Punch, 2022; The Guardian, 2023).

Just like other critical issues—security, economy, and politics—health ranks the highest. The truth is that no government has been able to navigate economic issues single-handedly; the same applies to health-related challenges.

For instance, the number of employees on the payroll of multinationals such as Apple, Nvidia, Microsoft, and Meta, all based in the United States, is overwhelming. The government must provide the necessary environment for them to thrive—a situation that may not be fully obtainable in Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria, where the likes of Dangote, Elumelu, and other private enterprises are front-liners in providing not just services but employment opportunities beyond what any government agency offers.

This scenario demonstrates that massive investment from the private sector, particularly through health insurance packages, is key to addressing these challenges. Although a government may not have any  business, in business, But it does need to create an environment in the Economy.

Outlook and Recommendations

Public-Private Partnerships offer a promising, albeit partial, solution to Nigeria’s healthcare sector challenges. Lagos has set an example with its successful PPP initiatives, but these models need to be adapted and expanded to other states, particularly in the Northern and rural regions where healthcare access is weakest.

To ensure that PPPs have a lasting impact, the government must play a more active role in healthcare reform. This includes increasing public investment, enforcing regulations that ensure service quality and affordability, and creating incentives for private companies to invest in underserved areas. Tax breaks or subsidies for private investors who build hospitals or medical research facilities in rural areas could help balance profitability concerns with public health needs.

Ultimately, while PPPs can drive short-term improvements, a more comprehensive approach is needed. The government must prioritize health insurance reform, reduce out-of-pocket expenses, and invest in the infrastructure and human capital necessary to build a healthcare system that works for all Nigerians.

The Lagos State Ministry of Health hosted the pre-launch event themed “Shape Health Outcomes in Lagos Today and Tomorrow” at the Lagos Oriental Hotel Today.

While the initiative will leverage digital payment platforms to simplify the enrollment process, which starts from the public sector, and improve the efficiency of premium payments, the partnership will help in achieving universal health coverage in one of Nigeria’s most populous states. It will further ensure that more Lagosians can benefit from affordable health services.

The healthcare sector in Lagos has been known to be unreliable with challenges. According to recent statistics, only about 3% of Lagos residents are currently enrolled in any form of health insurance, leaving millions vulnerable to the financial shocks associated with out-of-pocket medical expenses. 

The high cost of healthcare, inadequate infrastructure, and a huge shortage of healthcare professionals further worsen the problem. These issues have led to poor health outcomes, with preventable diseases such as malaria and maternal mortality remaining alarmingly high. 

SHIP aims to tackle these issues by providing affordable and accessible healthcare options to the state’s underserved populations.

In his keynote address, Prof. Emmanuel Akinola Abayomi, commissioner for Health, Lagos State Ministry of Health, emphasised the transformative potential of data-driven healthcare solutions, stating that the Lagos SHIP initiative will create enhanced experiences for all healthcare stakeholders and enable residents to access quality healthcare services.

Prof. Abayomi explained, “Today is a very important day in the landscape of Lagos State’s Ministry of Health. We’ve been given the commission by His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, to proceed with the digitalisation of the health sector in the state, known as the Smart Health Information Platform, popularly known as SHIP,” he stated.

He said the SHIP project has been in development for several years, involving a detailed procurement process that led to the selection of Interswitch e’CLAT as the preferred partner. 

Dr. Wallace Ogufere, managing director of e’CLAT, appreciated the Lagos State government for selecting Interswitch as a partner in developing SHIP. He stated, “We will bring all the opportunities and experience in the financial sector to make sure this is successful. We have that experience in financial dealings and we hope to replicate that in health.

“By leveraging advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, virtual care, wearables, data analytics, and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), Lagos SHIP will redefine the way healthcare is delivered, accessed, and experienced,” Dr. Ogufere added.

SHIP aims to interconnect all general hospitals, primary healthcare facilities, and other public health institutions in Lagos, enabling seamless data collection and exchange across the healthcare system. 

Prof. Abayomi noted, “The idea around this is to create a platform of information exchange, where data is gathered at the patient entry phase. As the patient enters into the health ecosystem, at that very point of entry, we already start to collect data, and as the patient moves through the process of the health managed care, we are gathering data at every point. That information will now be gathered into one location inside the SHIP.”

On data security, Prof. Abayomi said the Ministry of Health, alongside the Ministry of Innovation Science and Technology have been working on data security for years now, “happy to say that Lagos, State Ministry of Health and its partner agencies have been approved and accredited as compliant and able to protect the integrity and the security of our residents and our patients personal health information so that it is not accessible in an abnormal way.”

Prof. Abayomi further said the platform was carefully developed to ensure data security, resource allocation, policy formulation, and patient care. He mentioned, “We’re paying particular attention to the flexibility and the movement of information, speed of information, and as this is a public-private partnership, we are opening the floor and the opportunity to Lagosians and anybody really, to partner with the state or to partner with our concessionaires, to identify areas in which they want to contribute to the expansion the evolution and the development of the ship. 

“The SHIP is not a static thing, it will evolve as technology evolves, it will evolve as facilities come on board, and eventually, we’re going to roll it out into the private sector, so that the government has a complete picture of the health seeking behaviour of all its citizens, residents in Lagos or those visiting to access medical tourism.”

Dr. Wallace Ogufere pointed to the importance of seamless information flow in improving patient outcomes, adding, “This will then translate into better outcomes for patient care, and hopefully Lagos State will stand as a beacon of good healthcare in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.”

The Lagos SHIP Engagement Forum was organised to raise awareness for SHIP and its benefits, educate stakeholders on its functionalities, secure stakeholders’ and support for SHIP adoption, and address concerns related to data security and privacy in the Lagos healthcare ecosystem. 

Olufemi Olapegba, managing director of Digital Health Platforms Limited, provided insights into the technological framework behind SHIP. He noted the adoption of global standards for health data exchange, stating, “SHIP will comply with various regulations and standards, we’ve adopted FHIR [Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources] as the de facto standard for exchanging health data.” 

He outlined several Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that SHIP will expose, including the Patient Demography Service, Summary Care Records API, and E-Prescription Service, which are designed to enhance patient care and operational efficiency within the healthcare system.

Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, special adviser to the Lagos State Ministry of Health, reflected on the patient-centric focus of SHIP. She stated, “SHIP is going to allow us to be more patient-focused. It gives us that extra step to patient focus. SHIP allows the patient to get more information, make informed decisions, and be in control of what is going on.”

Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, permanent secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, highlighted the role of SHIP in improving healthcare management and decision-making. He explained, “As health managers, we at the top of the health chain in the ministry can see all the data analytics and it helps us to make informed decisions that will greatly impact in the right way.”

The SHIP platform is a commendable initiative in healthcare delivery across Lagos State, tackling the issues of unreliability in the current healthcare sector. 

Nigeria’s healthcare industry remains grossly underfunded with several other challenges, lacking a truly national/integrated framework for healthcare service delivery due to fragmentation among health stakeholders.

A recent report from Knight Frank estimates Nigeria would require about $82 billion of investment in health-care assets to reach the global average.

Healthcare institutions continue to struggle with daily operations due to a myriad of constraints and process inefficiencies.

The foregoing is the backdrop against which this latest public-private partnership milestone championed by the Lagos State Government is being launched with a view to positioning Lagos, Nigeria’s largest economic hub as a model for sub-nationals in strategic healthcare delivery interventions.

Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu, the governor of Lagos State, highlighted the significance of the Lagos State Smart Health Information Platform Project as one unprecedented in Nigeria till date.

The Governor, in his remarks asserted that;

“The signing of the Concession Agreement between the Lagos State Government and Interswitch for the implementation of the Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP) is a ground-breaking development which signifies the start of a comprehensive technological overhaul in Lagos State’s health sector, aimed at enhancing residents’ access to healthcare services.”

Governor Sanwoolu further remarked that “I believe that this platform represents a significant and innovative approach to utilizing technology for accessing health information. It is poised to deliver numerous benefits and eliminate payment barriers, thereby encouraging citizens to actively engage with the process.”

Capitalizing on over 2 decades of experience and strategic expertise digitizing transactions and aggregating technology platforms across Africa, by virtue of this concession, Interswitch will support the State Government in securely leveraging data harnessed from electronic medical records deployed across all hospitals (public and private) and allied locations within the industry value chain, to create enhanced experiences for all stakeholders, from administrators to medical personnel, patients, as well as for better planning and policy-making, ultimately.

The strategic objective is to address gaps within the healthcare delivery system by creating an ecosystem that facilitates deeper connections between stakeholders and essentially addressing fragmentation by connecting patients to doctors, practices to public offices and patients to their medical data, thereby solving the operational problems of hospitals and healthcare providers through the robust over-arching technology infrastructure that LAGSHIP represents.

Commenting after the signing ceremony, which was jointly signed by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Akin Abayomi and the Special Adviser to The Governor on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), Mrs. Bukola Odoe, and witnessed by the Executive Governor and selected members of the Lagos State Executive Council at the State House, Marina, Mitchell Elegbe, the founder and group managing director/chief executive officer of Interswitch Group, remarked:

“22 years ago, we set out with a clear vision to solve social problems in Nigeria, starting by digitizing the use of cash, making it available to Nigerians just-in-time. Today, despite the incremental efforts of Interswitch and other players over the years, digital payments are estimated to be still less than 20% of total transactions in the economy.

This realization suggests that there is tremendous value, financial and otherwise, locked up in sectors and areas where government is a key player, particularly in the aspects of healthcare, transportation, and other basic social services. This vision we had from the outset underpinned our acquisition of eClat Healthcare 5 years ago, and initiatives such as Lagos-SHIP are unfolding strategic interventions along that transformational roadmap.

 We are highly delighted that after a rigorous selection process, the Lagos State Government has deemed it fit to partner with us at the Interswitch Group on this epoch-making journey to digitize the healthcare system, uniting disparate elements into one holistic platform that creates value and enhances the experience of all stakeholders, just like we’ve done in the sphere of financial services, leveraging technology.”

Also speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Wallace Ogufere, the managing director for Interswitch eClat, Interswitch’s Healthtech Venture, opined that the Lagos State Government’s pioneering initiative in the form of LAGSHIP is significant in terms of advancing the outlook for Healthcare Management and Administration in a frontier-market such as Nigeria, and moving closer to what obtains in developed economies.

In his words “The go-live of the Lagos Smart Health Information Platform will significantly close many identified gaps in electronic medical records management, essentially addressing long-standing constraints including process inefficiencies, limited transparency and inadequacy of necessary tools and supplies, among other challenges.”

This partnership between the Lagos State Government and Interswitch represents a unique model for public-private partnership in the healthcare delivery space, and one which is expected to be a veritable reference point for national and sub-national governments in Africa going forward.