Nigeria’s healthcare system is experiencing an uneven shift from paper-based records to digital medical systems across public hospitals.
At University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), patients still go through manual processes such as physical file movement, repeated registrations, and delays caused by missing or misplaced records.
In contrast, the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) has fully deployed an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system that allows doctors and departments to access patient information instantly, reducing waiting time and improving coordination of care.
Experts say digital health systems can improve efficiency and patient safety, but note that challenges such as funding, infrastructure gaps, power supply, and internet connectivity continue to slow nationwide adoption.
Nigeria’s digital health journey highlights both progress and persistent gaps in delivering faster, more connected healthcare services.
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