Dr. Philip Osehobo has been honoured with a prestigious award at the 2025 Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) conference, held at the EKO Hotel and Suites, Lagos, for his role in a groundbreaking telemedicine initiative that has transformed healthcare delivery in rural parts of Edo State.
The award came in recognition of a 12-month study titled “Telemedicine Promise for Tomorrow: The Role of Video Synchronous Medical Consultation in a Primary Health Center (PHC) in a Sub-Saharan Africa Setting.”
The research was a collaborative effort between Dr. Osehobo of Grace Medical Clinic, Griffin, Georgia, USA, and three co-authors—Pamela Moye of Mercer University, Atlanta; Dr. Teresa Pounds of Clinipharm Global Health USA and the University of Benin; and Dr. Obehi Akoria of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
The study, conducted in three rural PHCs Oredo, Ukpenu, and Ugbor—leveraged live, two-way video consultations to connect Nigerian patients with U.S.-based physicians. It targeted patients suffering from chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, particularly those who lacked regular access to medical care due to financial and geographical barriers.
Results from the study were striking. Among the 75 patients enrolled (66% of whom were women, with an average age of 66), there were significant reductions in systolic blood pressure—up to 22 mmHg at Oredo and Ukpenu PHCs. Diabetic patients at Ukpenu also recorded major improvements in fasting glucose levels.
Dr. Osehobo, in his acceptance speech, described the recognition as a “win for innovation and for the future of healthcare in Africa,” adding that the project demonstrated that with the right technology and partnerships, quality medical care can reach even the most underserved communities.
Dr. Akoria, speaking for the research team, said the results validate telemedicine as a practical solution to Nigeria’s primary healthcare challenges and called on stakeholders to scale such initiatives nationwide.
The ANPA award underscores the growing importance of digital health solutions in tackling Africa’s healthcare gaps and highlights the impact of diaspora-led collaborations on medical advancement.
