Posted on: Thu 07-08-2025

 

In a bold step toward modernizing healthcare delivery, Renaissance Africa Energy Company has inaugurated an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system at the Obio Cottage Hospital in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, marking a significant milestone in the state’s journey toward digital health transformation.

The launch of the EMR system signals a new era for the hospital, which has served as a beacon of affordable and quality healthcare in the region for over 15 years. With rising demand for improved healthcare management, the new system is expected to streamline medical processes, eliminate administrative bottlenecks, reduce patient wait times, and ensure seamless access to patients’ medical histories.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony held at the hospital premises, the General Manager, Relations and Sustainable Development of Renaissance Africa Energy, Mr. Igo Weli, emphasized the importance of the digital transition in driving efficiency and improving patient outcomes.

“Over the years, we’ve seen growing demand for better healthcare management systems, data handling, and service coordination,” Weli noted. “This Electronic Medical Record system is our direct response to those demands. It allows seamless data collection, storage, and retrieval—helping medical personnel deliver prompt, accurate, and coordinated care.”

Weli further highlighted that the global healthcare sector is already fully immersed in what he described as the “digital reality,” adding that EMR systems are no longer futuristic innovations but present-day necessities.

“This technology enables healthcare providers—doctors, nurses, and administrators—to make faster, better-informed decisions, reduce clinical errors, and ensure continuity of care. For patients, this means shorter wait times, better service flow, and higher quality outcomes,” he said.

Beyond clinical efficiency, Weli pointed out the system’s environmental impact. By reducing the reliance on paper, the EMR initiative also aligns with the company’s sustainability goals. “We are saving the planet by cutting down on carbon emissions and paper waste,” he said. “This reflects our core values—putting people and the planet first.”

Weli praised the long-standing collaboration between the Rivers State Government and private sector partners, stating that the transformation at Obio Cottage Hospital is proof of what such partnerships can achieve when driven by shared purpose.

The hospital's transformation did not go unnoticed by state officials. Representing the Rivers State Government, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu, commended Renaissance Africa Energy for the digital upgrade.

“We understand the complexity of moving from paper to digital systems—it’s not just a technical shift, but also a cultural one,” Wachukwu remarked. “It demands continuous training and adaptation by staff, and I urge the workforce here to embrace this innovation wholeheartedly.”

Wachukwu also responded to calls from stakeholders for the expansion of the hospital’s infrastructure, acknowledging that the rapid growth in patient volume and services necessitates scaling up. He expressed confidence in the state government’s willingness to engage such proposals.

“With the kind of government we have in Rivers State, I believe that if the right discussions are held and proposals well-articulated, something good will happen for Obio Cottage Hospital,” he said.

The integration of EMR at Obio Cottage Hospital positions it among a progressive league of healthcare facilities embracing technology to drive sustainable and people-centered health systems. For the residents of Obio/Akpor and beyond, it signals a future where medical care is not only accessible but also smarter, faster, and greener.

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