By Taiwo Scholarstica
The Senate on Wednesday passed for a second reading a bill designed to establish a legal and regulatory framework for the development, coordination, and integration of electronic health services across Nigeria.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau, is aimed at creating the legal basis for a technology-driven healthcare system that would improve access to medical services, enhance efficiency, and raise the quality of healthcare delivery nationwide.
Opening the debate, Barau said the bill would establish a comprehensive framework for electronic health services, noting that digital healthcare has become an essential part of modern medical practice across the world.
He observed that although the country has made significant investments in the health sector, major challenges persist, including the continued use of paper-based medical records, fragmented patient data, and limited access to specialist healthcare services.
He emphasized that Nigeria cannot afford to remain on the margins of the global digital health transformation.
“This bill provides the legal framework needed to modernise healthcare delivery in our hospitals,” he said.
Barau noted that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of telemedicine, virtual consultations, and electronic health information systems in maintaining healthcare services during emergencies.
He added that the absence of a comprehensive legal framework has led to inconsistent implementation, varying standards, and uncertainty regarding responsibilities in the delivery of digital healthcare services.
“Through telemedicine, patients in remote communities will consult qualified healthcare professionals without travelling long distances. It will improve access to quality healthcare and reduce pressure on tertiary hospitals,” he added.
The lawmaker further explained that the bill would strengthen the protection of patients’ data, improve disease monitoring, reduce waiting times through electronic appointment systems, and encourage innovation within Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
He said the proposed legislation supports the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda, the goal of achieving universal health coverage, the Nigeria Data Protection Act, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Supporting the bill, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North) said the legislation would provide the legal foundation required for the effective implementation of electronic healthcare services throughout the country.
“The whole world has embraced technology in healthcare delivery. This bill will safeguard medical records and align Nigeria’s electronic healthcare services with international best practices,” Monguno said.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North) also backed the proposal, describing it as timely and noting that digital healthcare would make medical services more accessible, particularly for people living far from healthcare facilities.
“Medical services are expensive and difficult to access in many communities. With this digital approach, we will reach more Nigerians and improve healthcare delivery,” Kalu said.
Also speaking in support of the bill, Senator Tony Nwoye (NDC, Anambra North) said the legislation would improve healthcare access, especially in rural communities where specialist medical services are limited.
“The bill will reduce pressure on tertiary hospitals, improve access to telemedicine, and ensure patients can easily retrieve their medical records,” Nwoye said.
Following broad support from lawmakers, the Senate approved the bill for a second reading through a voice vote.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio subsequently referred the proposed legislation to the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), directing the committee to submit its report within four weeks.