FG MOVES TO INTEGRATE DIGITAL IDENTITY INTO HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

FG MOVES TO INTEGRATE DIGITAL IDENTITY INTO HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to integrate trusted digital identity into Nigeria’s healthcare system as part of ongoing reforms aimed at improving healthcare delivery, expanding financial protection and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.

The initiative was reinforced during a strategic meeting between the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, following discussions on opportunities presented by the newly enacted National Identity Management Commission Act, 2025.

Professor Pate described the Act as a landmark reform that strengthens the legal and institutional framework for a secure and trusted digital identity ecosystem, noting that it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Minister said digital technology remains a critical driver of the Federal Government’s health sector reforms, supporting improved governance, better health outcomes, stronger health security and enhanced healthcare service delivery.

According to him, integrating digital identity into healthcare will improve patient identification, support continuity of care, facilitate interoperable electronic medical records, strengthen disease surveillance and promote evidence-based planning across the health sector.

He further explained that the initiative would boost enrolment and beneficiary verification under the National Health Insurance programme, thereby expanding financial protection for millions of Nigerians and accelerating progress towards Universal Health Coverage.

Professor Pate disclosed that approximately 45 million patient visits are recorded every quarter across revitalised Primary Healthcare Centres nationwide, stressing that trusted digital identity would improve service efficiency while ensuring the protection of citizens’ data.

To facilitate implementation, the Minister directed the establishment of a joint technical working group involving the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Health Data and Digital Health Coordination Office, relevant health agencies and NIMC.

The committee is expected to harmonise implementation efforts, monitor progress and develop performance dashboards to support evidence-based decision-making in the health sector.

The Minister also emphasised the need for an inclusive digital identity system that caters to all Nigerians, including persons living with disabilities.

Earlier, NIMC Director-General, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said the NIMC Act 2025 provides the legal framework for secure digital authentication, interoperability and trusted digital services across government institutions.

She reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Health to provide the digital identity infrastructure needed to support ongoing health sector reforms.

The collaboration underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging technology to build a more efficient, transparent and people-centred healthcare system while accelerating progress towards Universal Health Coverage.