The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, announced that the Federal Government plans to establish 7,000 digital hospitals in rural communities.

He made this disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja while unveiling a digital hospital and school in the Ibwa 2 community, located in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory.

The Minister stated that President Bola Tinubu has mandated the provision of 7,000 digital healthcare centres to improve access in underserved communities.

He noted that around 20 million people in rural areas currently lack access to these essential health services.

“Nigeria has decided to invest 7,000 of this equipment in healthcare.

“There are about 20 million people who cannot benefit from what we that live in the city, or those who are nearer to the city are currently enjoying.

“Out of that 20 million people, over 80% of them are from the northern part of Nigeria.

“This is why Mr President has demanded that we must put money into ensuring that this opportunity is not only available to those in the urban area, but every part of the north must be covered with this equipment.

“So that we can give this opportunity to our people regardless of where they find themselves,” he said.

He stated that the project, carried out in partnership with Globacom Nigeria and Huawei Technologies Nigeria, aims to deliver a range of digital services to over 12,000 residents in the target community and surrounding areas.

He further explained that the 7,000 digital hospitals and schools are expected to reach 80% of the 20 million underserved people, the majority of whom reside in northern Nigeria.

During a test run of the digital facilities, the Minister engaged in live online conversations with a medical doctor in Abuja and a teacher in Lagos.

He assured that all 7,000 digital healthcare and education projects would be completed by the end of the year.

A total of 125 smartphones have been distributed to the community through the village head, enabling residents to access services provided by the facility. In addition, free WiFi has been made available to support connectivity.

Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of Huawei Technologies Nigeria, Terrens Wu, expressed his pleasure with the partnership, noting that it will promote rural development and enhance economic opportunities for people in the area.

Mr. Wu expressed optimism that the project would deepen financial inclusion and stimulate economic activities in the community.

He also reaffirmed Huawei’s commitment to driving both rural and urban transformation across Nigeria.