By Anayo Okoli

UMUAHIA—IN an effort to ensure increased access to quality health services in the state, especially in the rural areas, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has approved the introduction of E-health delivery service, known as telemedicine.

Gov. Ikpeazu

It is a brand new innovation in health delivery services delivered through telephone conversation between a trained doctor and patients.

Governor Ikpeazu was said to have been impressed with the system during a demonstration by the providers, more so when it is envisaged that it will help more people to have access to health care services, hence his approval for its pilot project to be launched in the state.

Consequently, the governor has given the State Ministry of Health approval to partner with the project consultants, DIAL A DOC , who have been in the state in the past six months test-running the scheme for it to be tried in the state.

The lead consultant, Dr. Omas Ubiame told  Governor Ikpeazu during the demonstration that Abia is the first state in the country to successfully pilot this project which he said would revolutionize medical access in the country.

She explained that they expected a maximum of 2000 calls from patients but recorded over 9000 from patients, an indication that the project was accepted and would be successful in the state.

Explaining further, Dr. Ubiame told the Governor that under the scheme, special cards with PIN number will be rolled out which can be purchased at N500 each, with which the patient calls a given number that links to a doctor who will attend to him/her.

According to her, the scheme would work with existing Primary Healthcare Centers in the state.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. John Ahukanna assured that the scheme would succeed n the State, saying that with the support of the government, the scheme would bring succor to the people of the state and reduce pressure on our hospitals.