A new report by Rome Business School Nigeria is calling for an urgent overhaul of Nigeria’s healthcare system, identifying telemedicine as the most realistic solution to the country’s deepening healthcare access crisis.
The report, titled “The Future and Opportunities of Telemedicine in Nigeria,” is the product of extensive research conducted by the Rome Business School Nigeria Research Centre into the nation’s economy and health sector. Its conclusion is stark: without rapid adoption of digital healthcare, Nigeria risks worsening health outcomes and lost economic opportunities.
“Nigeria’s healthcare system is at a breaking point,” the report states, noting that the country spends just about four per cent of its Gross Domestic Product on health. This chronic underfunding has contributed to a severe shortage of medical professionals, with an estimated ratio of one doctor to every 2,500 citizens.
Researchers also highlighted the geographic inequality in healthcare delivery. More than half of Nigeria’s population lives in rural communities that lack hospitals, clinics, or specialist care, forcing patients to travel long distances—sometimes over 100 kilometres—to see a doctor.
“Telemedicine offers a practical way to bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare,” the report noted, explaining that remote consultations via mobile apps or video platforms could significantly reduce travel costs and make care more affordable for low-income Nigerians.
The study pointed to emerging local platforms such as MyMedicalBank and CloudClinic as early proof that telemedicine can work within the Nigerian context.
According to the authors, the research was driven by the leadership of Rome Business School, including its Founder and Dean, Prof. Antonio Ragusa, alongside Rome Business School Nigeria’s General Manager, Olakunle Asunmo, and Head of Academics, Sam Igwe.
“Digital health is not just a healthcare innovation; it is an economic necessity,” the leadership said in the report, stressing that improved access to care would also boost productivity and long-term growth.
However, the report does not shy away from what it describes as “devastating challenges.” Chief among them is poor infrastructure. Unstable electricity supply and limited internet access mean that nearly 80 per cent of rural areas are currently unable to support effective telemedicine services.
The ongoing brain drain in the health sector was also flagged as a critical concern, with an estimated 5,000 medical professionals leaving Nigeria each year. In addition, the absence of a clear regulatory framework for digital health and low digital literacy levels continue to undermine trust and adoption.
Despite these obstacles, the report predicts a strong digital health boom over the next decade. Advances in artificial intelligence and mobile technology are expected to make remote diagnosis more accurate, while market projections suggest the sector could generate up to ₦185.66 billion in revenue before 2026.
Early results are already encouraging. The report noted that virtual prenatal care initiatives have shown the potential to reduce maternal mortality by as much as 20 per cent.
Still, the study ends with a warning. Without urgent and sustained investment in power, connectivity, and policy reform, telemedicine’s impact may remain limited. By 2035, coverage could reach only 50 per cent of urban areas and just 20 per cent of rural communities.
“The success of telemedicine will depend on a concerted effort,” the report concluded, calling for strong collaboration between government, private sector players, and educational institutions to dismantle the systemic barriers holding Nigeria’s healthcare system back.