By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Federal Government has launched a made – in – Nigeria digital tool to boost primary healthcare delivery at the community level with the unveiling of the Automated National Standing Orders (NSO) Mobile Application for Community Health Practitioners (CHPs).
The mobile app, developed by the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN) with support from Health Information System Agency (HISA), digitizes the National Standing Orders—guidelines that authorize Community Health Practitioners to treat common illnesses at the primary healthcare level.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, who launched the new app described the initiative as “a bold step” towards a more efficient, accountable and people-centred health system driven by technology.
He said, “This is not just a technology launch; it is a celebration of vision, innovation and Nigeria’s commitment to equitable healthcare for all citizens.”
According to Dr. Salako, the innovation aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I am particularly happy that this is happening under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR; the Africa Union champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership: in summary, the number one community health practitioner in Africa.”
The minister emphasized the importance of digitisation in health sector; said,
“Digitization is a critical enabler for health sector reform. By automating the Standing Orders, we are transforming a static manual into a real-time clinical decision support system.”
He stated that the functionality of the app includes- improved diagnostic accuracy, speed up treatment, strengthen accountability through digital audit trails, and ultimately save lives, especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities.”
The Minister announced that the app will become mandatory for all Community Health Practitioners by 2027, following a two-year transition and training period.
“The application is free for all registered CHPs. We are giving a 24-month window for training and adaptation. By 2027, all CHPs must fully transition from analogue to digital Standing Orders,” he said.
Dr. Salako commended CHPRBN Registrar/CEO, Dr. Bashir Idris, and his team for “a remarkable digital transformation journey from paper-based processes to modern, automated systems.”
He also praised the HISA for its “technical leadership and inter-agency collaboration that continues to strengthen our health system.”
He noted that technology alone is not enough and urged practitioners to embrace the app responsibly.
“Transforming healthcare is not about tools alone but about the people who use them. Your professionalism and commitment will determine the success of this innovation,” he admonished the CHPs.
He further encouraged health workers to work collaboratively to improve access to quality healthcare across communities for mothers and children.
“Let us ensure that every child, every mother and every family in Nigeria has access to compassionate and affordable healthcare,” he said.
Dr. Salako officially unveiled the app, calling it “a landmark in Nigeria’s digital health journey and a proud step forward for primary healthcare delivery in our country.”
