Becky Miana
In it continued move to transform healthcare delivery, the Gombe State Ministry of Health has inaugurated the State Oversight and Technical Working Committees for the Digital in Health Initiative.
The Committees are expected to steer the state’s transition from analogue to digital systems in health service delivery, ensuring more efficient, accessible, and data-driven care.
Speaking during the inauguration, Commissioner for Health, Dr Habu Dahiru, emphasised the need for Gombe to embrace modern solutions in health management.
“The whole world is going digital. With telemedicine and electronic records, we can improve performance, ensure reliable information flow, and respond quickly to patient needs,” he said.
Dr Dahiru explained that the initiative is in alignment with the Federal Government’s plan to create a connected, national digital health system.
He commended governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for supporting the effort, noting that the establishment of both the State Technical Working Group and the Oversight Committee demonstrates strong political will.
To support the digital transition, the Ministry will embarked on capacity-building programmes, infrastructure deployment, and the provision of hardware and software. Facilities across the state are also being mapped for integration into the digital health platform.
“We are starting with health records and will expand to other areas,” Dr Dahiru added. “From my office, we will monitor what happens in real-time and take prompt action where necessary.”
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Salihu Baba Alkali, who is also a member of the committee, pledged full cooperation and inter-agency collaboration.
“We will work together as a team to ensure the goals of this initiative are achieved,” he assured.
Delivering a technical presentation, Dr Suraj Abdulkarim, Director of Research and Statistics at the Ministry, outlined the strategic framework underpinning the initiative.
“Our focus is on strategic leadership, stakeholder coordination, adherence to national digital health guidelines, and mobilising resources to support a smooth rollout,” he explained.
Dr Suraj further highlighted the importance of monitoring and evaluation, capacity building, risk management, and data governance, noting that these are key to achieving a secure, efficient, and sustainable digital health system in Gombe.
A representative of the technical partner, Mr Celestine Ogbudeke of Elephant Healthcare, expressed optimism about the state’s readiness.
“One of the major enablers of digital health is power supply and many Primary Healthcare Centres in Gombe already have solar installations. That gives the state an advantage,” he noted.
He explained that the digital health platform will empower healthcare workers to make better decisions, reduce patient waiting time by up to 40%, and eliminate costs associated with folders and registration at public facilities.
“Patients can now simply scan their card at any health facility to access their records. There will be no need to register again or pay for a folder,” Ogbudeke said.
He added that the first phase will cover all basic health care centres and general hospitals in the state before expansion to PHCs and other facilities.
Addressing concerns over data security, Mr Ogbudeke gave assurances that the project is being implemented in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
“Patients’ data will remain confidential and protected. We are working closely with the Gombe State Ministry of Health to ensure compliance and protect patients’ rights,” he affirmed.
The inauguration signals a new era for healthcare in Gombe one where technology, governance, and people-centred innovation combine to improve health outcomes and system efficiency across the state.
The Oversight Committee has the Commissioners of Health, Budget and Economic Planning, Statistician General, Executive Secretaries of all health related agencies, Gombe State Sector wide Approach Desk Officer, Representatives of development partners among others