Health tech firm, QuickMed ARAYA has unveiled a new telemedicine platform to address challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system, including limited access to specialists, rising out-of-pocket costs, and widening inequality in care delivery.
Nigeria’s health sector remains under pressure, with government spending consistently below 5 percent of the national budget, far short of the 15 percent target set under the Abuja Declaration.
As a result, more than 70 percent of citizens pay for healthcare out-of-pocket, while fewer than 10 percent are covered by insurance, leaving millions without financial protection.
The system is further strained by a shortage of medical professionals, as over half of trained doctors and nurses migrate abroad in search of better opportunities, alongside weak infrastructure and poorly equipped primary healthcare centres, particularly in rural areas.
Speaking at the launch, Olu Kunuyi, the chief executive officer, said the platform was designed as a practical response to these challenges.“We are not just launching a company, we are unveiling a new way of thinking about healthcare,” Kunuyi said. “A system where access to quality care is no longer defined by geography, cost, or circumstance.”
He added that the platform enables remote consultations, secure access to medical records, appointment scheduling, and personalised health insights, using technology to reduce delays and improve patient outcomes.
Similarly, Ideh Godswill, chief technology officer and co-founder, said the solution addresses disparities in healthcare delivery by connecting patients directly with doctors.
“Our AI-powered platform bridges the gap in healthcare delivery, connecting patients with quality medical care remotely,” he said. “We are leveraging technology to improve health outcomes and enhance patient experience.”
Also at the launch, Matthew Victor, chief operating officer, highlighted the risks of delayed access to care, citing a case where a patient died before securing a follow-up appointment with a specialist.
“He was told the specialist was only available twice a week. After waiting and failing to see the doctor, he chose to reschedule, but there was no next time,” Victor said. “That gap is what we are solving.”
He added that telemedicine is designed to complement, not replace, hospitals by easing pressure on overcrowded facilities and reducing reliance on self-medication. “We are bringing specialist care closer to people, regardless of where they are or what they earn,” he said.
Experts note that weak primary healthcare systems and regional inequality have continued to push patients toward already burdened tertiary hospitals, while rural populations face significantly lower access to care and higher health risks.
QuickMed ARAYA said it aims to support a shift toward more inclusive and efficient healthcare delivery by combining global expertise with local context. “Our mission is to make high-quality, data-driven, and accessible healthcare available to every Nigerian and African,” Kunuyi said.
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