Intel Nigeria Bags Telemedicine Award

Intel Corporation Nigeria has been adjudged best Nigerian Telemedicine Entrepreneurial Company in 2008 for its remarkable initiatives and tele-medicine technology support offerings to boost the Nigerian healthcare system, 
 According to Jasmine Malone of Frost & Sullivan, organizers of the event which took place recently in South Africa, the award was in recognition of the company’s demonstration of sound entrepreneurial ability and commitments towards improving access to quality healthcare through technology. The award also highlighted the company's unique offerings and solid platforms in this regard.
David Ibhawoh, business development manager Intel Nigeria, said the award corroborates Intel’s proficiency to identify with market needs and also as a commendable solutions provider, adding that Intel Corporation was the first commercial organization to get involved in implementing Telemedicine technology and support systems in Nigeria.
Ibhawoh added that the successful implementation of healthcare in Nigeria requires involvement of both the participating hospitals and support from government institutions. Intel Corporation has been able to establish cordial working relationships with the Ministry of Health and other agencies to facilitate speedy and seamless flow of activities. This provides it with a suitable platform for expanding the programme to include several of the biggest and most advanced teaching hospitals in the country after the success of the initial phases,” Ibhawoh added.
“For instance, Intel Corporation’s proof of concept project which was launched in Nigeria in November 2007 provides an essential platform for the expansion of telemedicine and other e-health initiatives which hold the potential to be the basis for alleviating Africa’s healthcare workforce crisis. Videoconferencing and remote diagnostic equipment at Intel’s National Hospital Abuja project provides thousands of Nigerians invaluable access to specialist times and health services”, he revealed.
 Intel Corporation he stated has a significant focus on the provision of community development support systems which are particularly relevant in emerging markets such as Nigeria for ensuring sustainability of the tailor made solutions. Apart from the initiation of this proof of concept, Intel Corporation is involved in learning programmes for schools, teachers and other professionals.
The Intel spokesperson further explained that they are working to advance a vision of unifying health information and access and making it more readily available, ensuring the best quality of life and affordable care for everyone. Our offerings help to connect people and systems, improve collaboration for more informed decision making and bring about new approaches that directly improve healthcare programs. These according to him allow health centres and hospitals to more efficiently provide services to a broader population, help protect and promote better health, enhance citizens’ health status and minimize cost of service.
 “Today, a new generation of technology solutions is poised to help health care organizations overcome long established barriers, enabling people to access improved healthcare services faster. These will make them function more effectively and efficiently”, he noted.
The Frost & Sullivan Award for Entrepreneurial Company was designed for organizations that have demonstrated superior entrepreneurial ability in their industry during the review period.