Port Harcourt Hospital Launches App to Fight Maternal and Infant Deaths

(A Child. Photo by News Express)

A hospital in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has launched a healthcare app called MyHomeClinic to help reduce maternal deaths, lower infant mortality and cut down on Nigerians seeking treatment abroad.

The app provides real-time medical help during emergencies, connects patients to telemedicine services and tracks treatment progress.

Founder Dr Richard Okoye said Nigeria’s life expectancy is a major crisis and the app could tackle it by getting doctors to respond to emergencies almost immediately from anywhere in the world.

The app allows women in labour to get extra support from multiple doctors joining the labour room via dashboard.

It works even in areas without power or internet using satellite Starlink connections.

Patients can book appointments and consult from home by answering questions the system poses based on their symptoms.

The responses are analysed in doctor’s language to give diagnosis.

Consultations are available in Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa.

Okoye explained the app was designed to make doctor-patient conversations easier and more comfortable so patients remember important details that help with proper diagnosis.

It also helps doctors avoid forgetting key questions or making prescription errors that could harm patients.

The system lets patients connect with doctors globally to discuss their health challenges and find the best treatment options.