Meet our Human Of HealthTech 1.0
By: One Healthtech Ibadan
Tags: Healthtech, Humanofhealthtech, Healthtech Startup, Ohtibadan, Diversity In Tech

We need adequate monitoring and reporting, use of clean data in resource allocation and all that will make us pre-emptive and strategic rather than reactive and fire-fighting — how else except

through modern techniques in data gathering and business intelligence tools? From grassroots to the top echelon of decision making, we need a health system that is renewed and empowered with technology. Let’s go beyond the notion of telemedicine and tele pharmacy or use of new channels of

communication. Let us look at integration, interoperability and interfaces that make working in healthcare a joy. We must embrace technology as a necessity and not a nice to have. Enough of playing in the fringes and let’s dive right in.

The economic capacity of healthcare cannot be realized without a full embrace of technology from our primary, secondary, and tertiary health institutions. From school to hospital, from manufacturer to community pharmacy, from equipment maker to rehabilitative centers. From research to potions treating and solving global diseases. Are you telling me there is no cure for cancer in our forests? I doubt that strongly. But with low tech, low research, low investments in enablers, we will keep eating those leaves and making their barks out for chewing sticks. Our reluctance has impeded

growth and I certainly need a revolution in healthcare that embraces and entrenches tech as an enabler, not as a destination, but as a necessity to get us further on the journey.

3. With regards to diversity In health-tech in Nigeria, how are we doing? Is there a gap, if yes how can it be bridged?

I understand this to mean deeper development, design, and utilisation of technology by all and sundry. Male and female. You see, anyone can be an artist — you don’t see anyone saying males make better artists. Anyone can be a singer — male or female. Same way my mind works regarding technology. You don’t need an extra hormone or sexual organ to utilize, design or develop technology. Kill such thoughts — hinders growth.

Anyone, and I repeat, anyone who sees a gap should step forward. We have too many rudimentary issues in healthcare for us to slow down who gets to solve it. Permit yourself to be a SOLUTIONS PROVIDER — old and young, male and female, local and international. Rather than disqualify yourself

from the ecosystem that needs to be built and fortified, examine the issues, go back to basics, study options within and outside our sector, grow in expertise regarding any skill to possess OR buy/borrow such skills (you no longer have to do everything by yourself), and let us ALL solve the problems! Male and female alike.

The age of tech being an exclusive preserve of the male is so archaic. I actually have no such mental blocks in me, and find it strange when it comes up in my discussions. I get asked about gender biases and I can’t find it in me. I hire and fire based on non-gender related factors and I believe if you bring

value to the table, you have a seat waiting for you.

You don’t need an extra hormone or sexual organ to utilize, design or develop technology. Kill such thoughts — hinders growth.

4. what advice can you give aspiring health tech founders based on your experience?

Carry less weight and move. We come with our own prisms and view points about issues both fundamental and rudimentary. I know, because, no one just dropped from the sky. However, some of these create dead weight and

keep you back from uncovering the rich treasures in our sector. For example, healthcare is a business. I believe this fundamentally. If you don’t, you will continue to play it small and impact is impaired. You see, just like in agriculture, the shift is happening from subsistence

farming to agribusiness. And the appreciation of the whole value chain is making sure innovation happens with light and speed — see better packaging all around you now, faster speed to market, value-added products agribusiness as a means of livelihood and not a sidebar or PP.

We must see healthcare from such new perspectives. For too long, we have insulated ourselves in the aid-only space, and have ignored growing capacity on the demand and supply sides. Do you see anyone providing aid for you to make phone calls? Hardly. It’s a pure business region, and Nigerians spend billions on phone calls, and even borrow billions worth on a daily basis. Why not in healthcare? Do you see many interventions in transportation? Yet, Nigerians move about and have embraced innovative solutions with cab hailing and ride sharing to others. Why not in healthcare?