Source: Chioma Obinna

L–R: Dr. Olufemi Olapegba, Managing Director, Digital Health Platforms, Interswitch; Dr. Bodunrin Osikomaiya, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee (LSBTC); Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health; and Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, at the official launch of the LSBTC website and Blood Inventory Management System (BIMS) – HAEMOCENTRAL, held recently at Providence by Mantis, GRA Ikeja, Lagos.

In a landmark step toward smart and efficient healthcare delivery, Interswitch, one of Africa’s leading technology companies, has partnered with the Lagos State Government to launch a cutting-edge Blood Inventory Management System (BIMS) and a revamped Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee (LSBTC) website.

The new digital platform, unveiled recently, is a critical component of the Lagos State Health Information Platform (SHIP)—a broader initiative to digitize health services and improve access, coordination, and quality of care across the state.

Transforming the Blood Management Value Chain

Designed by Interswitch’s Digital Health Platforms division, the BIMS solution is built to improve safety, transparency, and efficiency across the blood supply chain—from donor registration and screening to inventory tracking and transfusion.

Mr. Olufemi Olapegba, Managing Director of Digital Health Platforms at Interswitch, highlighted the impact:

“The launch of the LSBTC website and Blood Inventory Management System is a testament to how strategic innovation can enhance efficiency, transparency, and patient outcomes. Our collaboration with the Lagos State Government reflects our commitment to using technology to save lives and build sustainable healthcare systems.”

Smart Solutions for Real-Time Decision-Making

With real-time data access, the BIMS platform empowers:

• Lagosians to find nearby blood donation centers
• Healthcare providers to check live blood availability
• State officials to coordinate supply chain logistics

The system’s interoperability with Lagos SHIP ensures seamless integration of blood management data into broader digital health records, improving emergency response and public health planning.

Beyond Blood: Laying Digital Rails for Healthcare Innovation

Interswitch’s broader health-tech ecosystem includes solutions for:

• Electronic medical records
• Health financing and insurance claims
• Digital patient engagement
• Health information exchange

These efforts are designed to build a more inclusive, accountable, and technology-enabled healthcare system across Africa.

Lagos SHIP: The Bigger Picture

Lagos SHIP—also powered by Interswitch—offers residents a user-friendly interface to:

• Book consultations
• Pay for healthcare services
• Access electronic health records
• Purchase medications online

By leveraging this infrastructure, Lagos is creating a comprehensive health information ecosystem that bridges gaps between patients and providers.

A Vision for Smarter Healthcare in Africa

The collaboration between Interswitch and Lagos State signals a bold new chapter in Africa’s digital health journey. As the BIMS system goes live, experts believe it will serve as a model for other states and countries, demonstrating how technology can close critical gaps in health service delivery.

Conclusion:
With this rollout, Lagos sets a precedent for data-driven, equitable healthcare. As Interswitch continues to scale its innovations, the future of health in Nigeria—and across Africa—looks increasingly digital, intelligent, and inclusive.