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By Nana Theresa Timothy
AI-Driven Telemedicine Platform Set to Transform Rural Healthcare
MySmartMedic unveiling brings AI powered care to underserved Nigerians
The public unveiling of MySmartMedic on Tuesday in Abuja brought together top government officials, healthcare professionals, investors and development partners. Developed by UNICCON Group, MySmartMedic is an AI-powered telemedicine platform designed to instantly connect patients with certified doctors through smart chatbots, voice interactions and real-time video consultations.
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The goal: deliver quality healthcare to communities located hours away from the nearest clinic.
Nigeria’s Healthcare Access Crisis
Speakers at the unveiling highlighted the severe gaps in healthcare access across Nigeria and Africa:
- Over 60% of Nigerians reside in rural or peri-urban areas with limited access to specialists.
- Across Africa, more than 400 million people lack essential health services.
- Long travel distances, high out-of-pocket costs and shortages of medical personnel contribute to avoidable illnesses and preventable deaths—especially among women and children.
Dr. Cyril Tsenyil, Managing Director of the North Central Development Commission, called the launch a national call to action:
“Healthcare is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right.”
He urged collaboration among government, innovators and communities to scale digital health solutions to underserved families.
“A New Healthcare Reality”: UNICCON Founder
Founder of MySmartMedic and Chairman of UNICCON Group, Prof. Chuks Ekwueme, emphasized that the platform represents more than a product launch:
“Today is the unveiling of a new healthcare reality—one built on access, intelligence and inclusion.”
He noted that MySmartMedic was created to provide cost-effective, technology-driven solutions to close Africa’s widening healthcare gap.
What MySmartMedic Brings to Nigerians
MySmartMedic integrates multiple AI and telehealth tools to deliver care anywhere:
- AI-enabled chatbot for instant triage
- Secure video consultations with licensed doctors
- Multilingual voice interaction for users who cannot type
- Solar-powered community health hubs, designed for offline-ready environments
- Integrated e-pharmacy and logistics network for last-mile delivery of medications
Prof. Ekwueme reaffirmed the mission behind the platform:
“We will not build technology for its own sake. We will build technology that saves lives.”
Clinicians Highlight Real-World Impact
Panelists described how MySmartMedic could ease the strain on hospitals, improve early care and save households from financial ruin.
Dr. Chika Nya-Etok
Praised the platform’s accessibility features and said many Nigerians—urban and rural—could avoid unnecessary travel:
“If she had access to this app, she would not need to fly to Abuja just to get quality care.”
Dr. Emeka Momah
Warned that limited access to healthcare pushes families into poverty:
“Most of us are just one major disease away from poverty.”
He stressed the platform’s potential to improve triage, reduce unnecessary referrals and ensure early intervention.
Panelists also called for rapid adoption of supportive regulation, noting that Nigeria’s draft Digital Health Services Bill must be fast-tracked.
Data Protection: NDPC Emphasizes Strong Safeguards
Representing the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Barr. Alexander Onwe affirmed support for telemedicine but stressed the importance of data privacy:
“Digital platforms like this operate on sensitive health data, which requires the highest level of safeguards.”
He said NDPC’s mandate is to ensure innovation protects Nigerians’ fundamental right to privacy through strong technical and organizational measures.
Community-First Health Model
A core component of MySmartMedic’s strategy is its community-based service model.
The platform’s MSM Kits include:
- AI-assisted diagnostic tools
- Portable vital-sign monitors
- Offline data capture that syncs automatically
- Solar-powered hubs run by trained community health workers
The platform supports multiple local languages, local payment channels, and includes only verified licensed doctors—measures designed to build trust and drive widespread adoption.
Market Opportunity and Sustainability
Nigeria’s e-health market is valued at roughly $1.3 billion and continues to grow with rising smartphone usage. MySmartMedic’s business model blends:
- Pay-per-consultation
- Subscription plans
- Corporate partnerships
- Integration with insurance and HMO providers
This hybrid model positions the platform for both social impact and long-term sustainability.
Next Steps: Scaling Across Nigeria
Speakers called for strong public-private partnerships to expand MySmartMedic across more states and integrate it with existing health systems.
Dr. Tsenyil emphasized the policy imperative:
“We must create policies flexible enough to support innovation while protecting public interest and patient safety.”
Prof. Ekwueme closed with a commitment to continuous improvement, research-driven upgrades and nationwide deployment. With its blend of AI, licensed clinicians and community-based delivery, MySmartMedic aims to reduce preventable deaths and bring practical healthcare solutions to millions of Nigerians.
