By Nkechi Onyedika-Ugoeze, Abuja
Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, James Christoff, has named the most populous black nation as his country’s largest merchandise trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Also describing Nigeria as the largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the North American nation from the region, the envoy noted that beyond trade ties, there is an increasing number of personal links that binds both countries, ranging from the over 85,000 Nigerians living in Canada to the over 12,000 Nigerian students currently studying there.
Speaking at the official launch of NigComSat Virtual Hospital, yesterday, in Abuja, Christoff acknowledged the endless possibilities derivable from the strong and growing bilateral trade between Canada and Nigeria.
He said the collaboration on the virtual hospital was part of the robust relationship and symbolised the convergence of several Canadian policy priorities.
Christoff said the facility is a digital innovation and potential game changer in improving health outcomes, especially in underserved and remote areas.
He stated that the technology that powers the virtual platform was developed by Ethnomet, a Canadian digital healthcare company, based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
The diplomat explained that the technology has been developed with the vision and strategic objective of having over 80 federal and state-owned government hospitals co-exist on the platform.
He added that the platform would equally provide digital health services to 1.7 million public sector workers and families across the federation.
He submitted that the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated potential of telemedicine in lowering transmission of infectious diseases, besides being capable of reducing government healthcare costs, extending reach and improving care management.
Christoff restated Canada’s support for initiatives that improve health outcomes in poor and underserved communities, as well as increase participation of Canadian women in international trade by supporting women-owned and led businesses to export.
Source: The Guardian
