The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its dedication to modernising healthcare delivery through technology, as it reviewed the progress of its electronic medical records (EMR) rollout at a high-level workshop held in Ikeja.
The state government yesterday convened key stakeholders to assess Phase II of its Primary Health Care (PHC) Digitisation Project at a two-day Progress Review Workshop.
The initiative, which has already seen EMRs deployed in 100 PHC facilities, is being spearheaded by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) in partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and supported by the Gates Foundation.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Special on Health, Kemi Ogunyemi—represented by the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Health, Oluwatoni Adeyemi—said the digital transformation was part of the state’s commitment to building a smarter and more sustainable healthcare system.
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“We’re laying the foundation for a future where over 20 million Lagosians can access equitable, efficient healthcare at the primary level,” Ogunyemi said.
She highlighted the value of electronic health records (EHRs) in improving patient care, enabling referrals, tracking outcomes, and driving data-based public health interventions.
She disclosed plans to fund digital health infrastructure through a dedicated budget line and integrate EMRs with the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme.
“We want these systems to become sustainable, co-financed solutions—not temporary donor-funded projects,” she added.
Ogunyemi also identified challenges to be addressed, including infrastructure, workforce readiness, and fragmented systems.
She noted the launch of a Digital Health Champions Programme to build provider capacity for digital adoption.
Also, Permanent Secretary of the LSPHCB, Ibrahim Mustafa, described the workshop as a strategic milestone.
“This is more than just a review. It’s a collective moment to reflect, learn, and plan for scale,” he said.
He praised the impact of EMR deployment across 100 PHCs, noting improved data integrity and efficiency.
According to him, plans are underway to expand the rollout to all 326 PHC facilities statewide.
He also announced the upcoming launch of the Lagos Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP), which will integrate patient data across primary, secondary, and tertiary care.
Ojodu LCDA Chairman, Hon. David Odunmbaku, echoed the commitment to digital transformation at the local level.
He said his administration had begun piloting a Local Electronic Medical Records (LEMR) system at Ogba PHC, with upgraded infrastructure and fibre-optic internet access.
“We’re phasing out outdated manual systems and embracing smart governance,” he said.
Olumide Sojirin, Medical Director at Randle General Hospital, Surulere, described EMRs as an essential global healthcare tool.
He emphasised that digital records enhance accuracy, confidentiality, and coordination, while also supporting real-time decision-making and disease surveillance.
During a technical presentation, Tayo Owolabi, Digital Health Officer at LSPHCB, outlined objectives of the second phase of the EMR project.
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He said the state was aiming to optimise its Talamus EMR platform, foster data-driven decision-making, and set a roadmap for wider adoption.
A key highlight of the workshop was the visit to Coker Aguda PHC, one of the digitised facilities.
Medical Officer of Health, Duyile Akintomide, reported significant reductions in waiting times and better service coordination since EMR deployment.
He said the facility had achieved full digitalisation, with work ongoing to extend the system to Orile Iganmu PHC.
Akintomide acknowledged that staff initially faced challenges adapting to the new system but noted that training and community engagement had improved uptake.
“Our team is more confident with the technology, and we’re educating the public about how it enhances access to care,” he said.
