As new technologies come up every day, several developments are made to our lives. While most technological advancements have been mainly about the internet and the digital space, several technological developments are applied in the medical system.
One of the reasons why technology developments are more pronounced in the digital space than the health industry is because the health industry is relatively slow when adopting new technologies. This slow rate in adoption is primarily because the health industry operates within strict regulations; hence stakeholders tread with caution.
Notwithstanding the limitations, some technologies are adopted for the enhancement of health care. In this piece, I will be taking you through some of the ways technology has enhanced medicine and health in Nigeria.
Before that, let me inform you that the discipline directly in charge of medical innovations is termed Biomedical Engineering and Technology. Biomedical Technology is the application of technology and engineering fundamentals to the sphere of biological systems, mainly to solve medical and health problems.
Let’s get on to the list!

1. Increased Connectivity Among Practitioners
As earlier stated, there have been several innovations in the digital space. These technological advancements have had their multiplier effects on the health industry. These digital platforms have helped to bring redefinition to how physicians in Nigeria work and communicate with one another.
Today, some medical apps help physicians update their colleagues on new information. There are also apps that help medical practitioners to obtain recent findings, initiate conversations, connect with others, and effectively increase their knowledge on several medical topics.

2. Devices Provide input on Health Decisions
Computers have now become so complex and sophisticated that medical practitioners in Nigeria have leveraged them to make critical medical decisions and provide better healthcare delivery. Today, we have computers offering X-rays and several other diagnostics that allow physicians to make better-informed decisions.
This is also true regarding new drugs and determining the best way to care for patients. Computers garner and analyze data in real-time, and saves time spent in some procedures.


3. Better Access to DNA Sequencing
The human genome was first sequenced as far back as 2003. The process which was carried out by researchers lasted all of 13 years and cost about $3 billion before its completion. Since then, there have been other developments in Genome Sequencing. However, the cost has been reduced to a marginal $1,000. Physicians and patients now have access to DNA data than ever before.

4. Pharmacies Have Better Access to Data to Enhance their Products
If there is a significant feature of the 21st-century medical technological innovation, it is the access given to all and sundry. As genetic data becomes more and readily available, pharmacies are equally gaining access to better resources that inform their product development teams and procedures. This also helps to improve their products.

5. Databases that can Predict Medical Trends Accurately
Search engines such as Google have been able to collect users search words to precisely predict possible medical trends such as the Ebola outbreak in 2014. More tech platforms are doing the same and helping to analyse health information based on several metrics.
This method of analyzing medical information has helped the health industry in Nigeria as evident during the Ebola outbreak in 2014. It assisted in identifying the likely locations of the epidemic while solutions were brought in.

6. Faster Communication
This is one of the most apparent ways by which technology has enhanced medicine and health in Nigeria. Technology has made it possible to send and receive messages in a matter of seconds. With this, a physician can be alerted if there is an emergency case. This isn’t limited to emergency cases within a clinic. It also applies to emergency cases right in the patient’s home. Hence, technology has made it faster to drive an ambulance right to the patient’s house and to connect with a physician right on the spot.

7. Wearable Technology
Nigeria is one of the biggest consumers of technology devices. The wearable sector is growing thanks to many manufacturers like Apple (who just released the Apple Watch Series 4) and Samsung.
These wearable devices help in data collection and help to monitor the health of the user. By now, you should know that smartwatches are capable of tracking your walk patterns, heartbeat, and almost everything that has to do with your active and passive health.
The wearables will have better penetration in the future as their functions expand. According to the Huffington Post, there would have been around 130 million wearable devices being shipped to users all over the world.
In Nigeria, it wouldn’t take much time before we start seeing these wearables at clinics. This will make medical records easily accessible and updated.

8. In-House Care
By the end of 2012, there were about 3 million patients all over the world who were using health monitoring systems. This helped to reduce clinic visits. This method is incredible for patients who are suffering from chronic illnesses. Also, this helps to save money on unnecessary transport costs when visiting the doctor.

9. Electronic Health Records
If you have stayed in tune with everything in this piece, you will observe that I have mentioned health records and data numerous times. This is the 21st century when everyone’s information is online. Your bio can be gotten online without your knowledge or permission. Hence, your health records are not particularly obscure from medical centers. However, research is ongoing to develop ways of enhancing medical data security.
Although electronic health records are not readily available in Nigeria, there are a good number of people who have their health records available electronically.

10. More Opportunities for Medical Practitioners
The internet has opened the floodgates of several opportunities for medical practitioners all over Nigeria. Today, location is not a limitation for medical practitioners. They can now attend to patients from different parts of the country, and even the world. There is no longer a limited assess to knowledge as physicians in Nigeria can now always reach more information, thanks to the internet.

Conclusion
Conclusively, Biomedical technology has brought many improvements to the health sector in Nigeria. Consequently, it has enhanced the relationship between patients and physicians as highlighted above. Undoubtedly, one can never overestimate the importance of this noble profession in the enhancement of the Nigerian health sector.