The Lagos State Government has launched the maiden Lagos Digital Health Innovation Challenge, reaffirming its commitment to using technology to improve healthcare delivery and accelerate the state’s smart healthcare transformation.
Eko Hot News reports that the innovation challenge was held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, bringing together government officials, health-tech innovators, technology experts, investors, development partners, and healthcare professionals to showcase digital solutions for the health sector.
The competition featured innovative applications designed to improve access to healthcare, enhance service delivery, and strengthen patient care through technology-driven solutions.
Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, described the challenge as a reflection of the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment where innovation can thrive.
He praised the creativity of young innovators, noting that every solution presented demonstrated the potential to address critical healthcare challenges across Lagos State.
According to the Commissioner, the applications focused on emergency healthcare, health insurance, sickle cell disease management, neonatal care, medication adherence, and post-hospital support.
He explained that the showcased innovations align with the strategic healthcare priorities of the Lagos State Government and reflect the growing role of technology in improving patient outcomes.
Prof. Abayomi said the government’s responsibility is to provide the right environment for innovators to transform ideas into practical solutions that benefit residents.
He recalled how Lagos adopted home-based management for COVID-19 patients during the pandemic when isolation facilities came under pressure, demonstrating the value of digital healthcare solutions.
According to him, healthcare is rapidly evolving beyond hospital walls, with biotechnology and digital innovations making quality medical care more accessible in homes and communities.
The Commissioner also disclosed that implementation of the Lagos State Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP) is progressing steadily across public health institutions.
He revealed that the project has reached about 30 per cent completion in its first phase and will later be extended to private healthcare providers across the state.
Prof. Abayomi explained that SHIP will integrate patient health records, improve healthcare planning, strengthen the application of Artificial Intelligence, and support predictive healthcare services.
He added that the digital platform has been designed with strong cybersecurity measures and data protection standards to safeguard patient information.
According to him, the Digital Health Innovation Challenge was created to encourage innovators to develop solutions that can seamlessly integrate with the Smart Health Information Platform.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in preventive healthcare, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships with the private sector to strengthen healthcare delivery.
The Commissioner expressed confidence that the initiative would mark the beginning of long-term collaboration between the government and the health technology ecosystem.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Dayo Lajide, described the competition as a platform for connecting innovators, investors, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and technology experts.
She said innovation flourishes when creative ideas receive the support, mentorship, and opportunities needed to become practical solutions.
Dr. Lajide commended all participants for responding to the Ministry’s call and encouraged them to continue refining their ideas regardless of the competition’s outcome.
She assured innovators that Lagos State would continue providing mentorship, technical guidance, and support to help develop their solutions for possible integration into the state’s healthcare system.
The Permanent Secretary also appreciated members of the judging panel, development partners, and organisers for contributing to the successful hosting of the maiden innovation challenge.
In his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Tiwalade Adeyinka Sorungbe, highlighted the growing importance of information technology in modern healthcare.
He encouraged healthcare professionals to strengthen their digital skills while assuring innovators of the Ministry’s readiness to provide technical support and collaboration opportunities.
Stakeholders at the event agreed that digital innovation remains one of the most effective ways to improve healthcare access, strengthen service delivery, and support better health outcomes for residents.
The Lagos State Government says the Digital Health Innovation Challenge reflects its long-term vision of building a modern, technology-driven healthcare system that delivers efficient, accessible, and patient-centred services in line with global best practices.
