The Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd has partnered with MySmartMedic, a subsidiary of the Uniccon Group of Companies, to deliver digital healthcare to underserved rural communities nationwide.

The agreement was formalised through a memorandum of understanding signed on Monday at Uniccon Group’s headquarters in Abuja.

NigComSat managing director, Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, described the initiative as a “game changer” aimed at connecting Nigeria’s hardest-to-reach communities through satellite technology.

According to her, the project targets the 70 per cent of Nigerians living in rural areas, stressing that digital health must extend beyond major cities.

“We want to take solutions to the remotest areas. The biggest strength NigComSat has is that we can provide connectivity where nobody else can.

“There will be no discussion if there is no coverage. There is no part of Nigeria that satellites cannot cover,” Ms Egerton-Idehen said.

She noted that rural communities also require access to healthcare, education, and agricultural services within the expanding digital economy.

Chairman of Uniccon Group, Chuks Ekwueme, said the initiative formed part of a broader technological vision that includes deploying humanoid robots to tackle Africa’s pressing challenges.

He described MySmartMedic as a revolutionary digital health platform designed to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for Africans.

“What sets MySmartMedic apart is our focus on local content and inclusivity,” Mr Ekwueme said.

He explained that users can describe symptoms in their local languages and receive medical guidance in familiar terms.

According to him, the partnership with NigComSat is a critical enabler, using satellite connectivity to reach underserved communities.

“This collaboration has the potential to transform healthcare delivery in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.

The rollout will begin in Nasarawa, Yobe, Borno, and Zamfara states.

“We are powering unconnected areas with the latest products. We are big on local content,” he said.

“We are bridging the gap in connectivity and affordability so everyone can benefit from quality healthcare. Healthcare should be seamless,” Mr Ekwueme said.

(NAN)