We must digitalize our healthcare system, says Dr Dimka

From Okwe Obi, Abuja

Nigerian medical doctor and the Chief Executive Officer of Hopewell Solution Service, Dr Hughes Dimka, has proposed a complete digitalization of the country’s healthcare system.

Dimka, who addressed journalists yesterday in Abuja, noted that with full digitalization, healthcare workers and patient can have seamless confidential conversation without even getting to meet physically.

He said with the advent of Carelinks App, it would be easier for both healthcare workers and patients to communicate frequently especially as it relates to medical consultations, prescriptions management of real-time health monitoring.

According to him, Carelinks is currently a private-sector initiative, but Hopewell Solutions Services is open to future collaborations to strengthen the platform.

Dimka said: “Carelinks is designed to break barriers in healthcare access. Many Nigerians, especially in rural areas, face difficulties in reaching medical facilities.

“With this platform, they can consult with qualified doctors from their mobile devices, ensuring timely and efficient medical care.

“Many rural areas now have steady internet access, and more people are transitioning from basic phones to smartphones. This shift makes telemedicine an effective tool for expanding healthcare access.”

He also noted that to maintain high medical standards and data security, Carelinks has partnered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to verify all healthcare professionals on the platform.

“Doctors must upload their medical registration certificate, practitioner license, and annual practice certificate to be verified on the platform. This ensures that only qualified professionals provide medical services.

“Once a patient uploads lab results, only the patient and their doctor can access them. No third party has access to this data, reinforcing trust and security on the platform,” he said.