Transforming Healthcare: Godswill Njoku’s Vision for Telemedicine…

Godswill Njoku, at 24, is reshaping Nigeria’s healthcare through his company Hospiyou, which leverages technology and AI to improve healthcare access. Despite facing numerous challenges, including funding and regulatory issues, he envisions a future where telemedicine becomes integral to the healthcare system—enhanced by government support and private sector involvement.

Godswill Njoku, a 24-year-old visionary from Nigeria, is transforming the healthcare landscape through technology and artificial intelligence. He founded Hospiyou Inc., a health tech company dedicated to creating medical products and devices that ensure quality healthcare is accessible and affordable for all. In a recent interview, he discussed the future of telemedicine and the current challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Njoku, who studied general medicine in Bulgaria, has gained extensive experience in European hospitals, particularly in the fields of neurosurgery and cardiology. His drive towards telemedicine was inspired by the tragic loss of his best friend, who lacked immediate medical attention due to systemic inefficiencies. Njoku emphasized that had Hospiyou existed then, his friend could have received prompt care without needing to visit a hospital.

The Nigerian healthcare system is notably underfunded and plagued by inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural areas. Many individuals resort to private healthcare services, and there is a growing trend of medical tourism fueled by mistrust in local facilities. Njoku shared that he even faced homelessness to self-fund Hospiyou, with no external financial support received thus far.

In recent years, telemedicine in Nigeria has experienced rapid growth due to increasing smartphone penetration, enhanced internet access, and heightened demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the emergence of digital health platforms by startups and NGOs, widespread adoption remains hampered by infrastructure and regulatory challenges. Njoku highlighted the critical challenges, including limited internet access, low digital literacy, and concerns over data security and trust in remote consultations.

Telemedicine is bridging accessibility gaps by facilitating remote consultations, thereby minimizing travel expenses and allowing specialties to reach underserved regions. While urban areas enjoy improved internet coverage, rural sectors still struggle with connectivity and affordability, although efforts like USSD-based services and offline consultations are emerging. Njoku underscored that Nigeria’s regulatory framework surrounding telehealth is still in a developmental phase compared to countries with more comprehensive policies.

The Nigerian government has initiated programs such as the National Health ICT Strategic Framework to spur digital health advancements; however, most progress has been driven by the private sector. Njoku noted the absence of government support for Hospiyou, as he called attention to the considerable legal and ethical concerns surrounding telemedicine, including data privacy and malpractice liabilities that require urgent regulatory alignment.

AI and data analytics are beginning to play significant roles in telemedicine, facilitating diagnostics and personalized care. Njoku mentioned that Hospiyou aims to incorporate advanced AI technologies to develop comprehensive diagnostic medical testing systems. He underscored that electronic medical records (EMRs) are essential for improving telehealth, although their adoption remains sluggish due to high costs and interoperability challenges.

To further enhance telemedicine, Njoku advocated for technological innovations such as AI diagnostics, IoT-enabled monitoring devices, and secure blockchain health records. He discussed the critical funding landscape for telemedicine startups, including options like venture capital, government grants, and corporate partnerships. He emphasized that private sector involvement is vital for accelerating innovation and improving infrastructure within the telemedicine ecosystem.

The advent of telemedicine has transformed the doctor-patient relationship in Nigeria, expanding access while posing new challenges, such as digital trust issues. Looking to the future, Njoku envisages greater integration of AI, improved regulation, broader insurance coverage for telehealth services, and more collaboration between the public and private sectors. He urged government interventions for clearer telemedicine regulations and enhanced digital infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.

For aspiring telemedicine entrepreneurs, Njoku advised focusing on accessibility for underserved populations, adhering to evolving regulations, and integrating telemedicine with traditional healthcare solutions. Partnerships with telecom and fintech sectors are crucial for scaling such innovations effectively.

In summary, Godswill Njoku is revolutionizing Nigeria’s healthcare landscape through technology and AI with his company Hospiyou. Despite facing substantial challenges in funding and regulatory frameworks, Njoku advocates for strategic partnerships and innovations to enhance telemedicine accessibility. His vision includes improved regulations, AI integration, and a focus on patient education to transform the future of healthcare in Nigeria.

Original Source: businessday.ng