Saskatoon tech firm's app could help millions access health care in Nigeria
The government of Africa's most populated country has enlisted the help of a Saskatoon tech firm to deliver remote health care to millions of people.
Saskatoon's Ethnomet has partnered with the Nigerian government to develop a telehealth app that facilitates connections between patients and physicians regardless of distance.
"It's been a long time coming," said Ethomet CEO Garnette Weber in an interview with CTV News. "We've had numerous discussions on how best to serve the people of Nigeria, identify their specific needs, and address the healthcare challenges they face. Over the past year, it has truly been a collective effort involving many individuals to bring together all the necessary elements for this project."
According to a company news release, the app, named Nigcomhealth, is built on Ethomet's platform and includes Nigerian technology partner Sawtrax.
During the app's launch event in Abuja on May 14, Nigeria's Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, stated, "The doctor-patient ratio in the country is deteriorating, with one physician attending to over 5,000 patients. This stands in stark contrast to the World Health Organization's recommendation of one doctor for every 600 patients." Pantami further highlighted that the country requires a minimum of 363,000 additional doctors to meet the demand.
Weber explained that the app also assists doctors who have relocated to other countries in maintaining their practice. Weber noted that acquiring accreditation in a new country can be a lengthy process. "Through telehealth, they can continue to serve the Nigerian people. So, for healthcare practitioners who previously lived and worked in Nigeria but moved to Canada, they can still connect, utilize their clinical skills, earn income, and continue their virtual practice as physicians."
Weber pointed out that some of the strategies implemented in Nigeria could also benefit Saskatchewan's healthcare system. "While there are certainly similarities in terms of research and resource challenges for healthcare practitioners, the scale of the problem in Nigeria is much more significant," she said.
Weber shared that Nigeria produces 3,500 new medical graduates annually, but approximately 2,000 of them depart for other countries, including Canada and the United States.
"Another similarity to Canada is the significant percentage of the population residing in rural and remote areas," Weber added. "In Nigeria, 48 percent of the population lives in such areas where accessing healthcare services is extremely challenging. This difficulty is further compounded by security issues that make it unsafe for healthcare professionals to travel to these regions."
Weber stated that they chose to prioritize Nigeria due to the substantial demand, but they foresee potential for their platform to be utilized in Canada in the future.
According to the company, the platform currently includes 80 Nigerian federal and state-owned government hospitals.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.