Senate advances bill to integrate E-Health Services in Nigeria

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — The Senate on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for the development, coordination and integration of electronic health services in Nigeria.

The proposed legislation aims to improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved communities, reduce waiting time in hospitals through digital appointment systems and electronic patient management, and strengthen disease surveillance and public health emergency response through timely collection and analysis of health data.

The bill also seeks to promote innovation, create employment opportunities and contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

Titled “A Bill for an Act to Provide for a Comprehensive Legal and Regulatory Framework for the Development, Coordination and Integration of Electronic Health Services in Nigeria and for Related Matters, 2026 (SB. 758),” the legislation is sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North).