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On SYNLAB Nigeria’s Secured Patient Portal, Test Result Delivery’s Safe Alternative
In the bid to address the dangers associated with emailing test results of patients, SYNLAB Nigeria, a member of the SYNLAB Group, with ISO15189 Certification in medical diagnostic services, has come up with a secured patient portal as a safer alternative.
Biztellers reports that SYNLAB is a global diagnostic service provider with presence in 35 countries and over 30 active locations across Nigeria.
According to SYNLAB Nigeria its secured patient portal has numerous advantages such as, restricted access which confers on the portal offers a more controlled environment for accessing test results.
It pointed out that the individualised log-in credentials, drastically reduces the risk of unauthorised access, ensuring that only the intended recipient or the patient, can gain access to the confidential health information.
Still on the features, SYNLAB Nigeria highlighted that it comes with enhanced encryption.
It was gathered that this added layer of security, safeguards the transmission and storage of test results, protecting them from interception by malicious entities.
The SYNLAB Nigeria’s patient portal has a user-friendly interface, which ensures that patients could easily access and intuitive advantage of by registering on the firm’s website.
On the SYNLAB Nigeria’s website, it stated, “They can also contact our customer support on ng.enquiry@synlab.com, WhatsApp 08104607653 or walk into any of our 32 physical locations across the country to register”.
Using the patients’ portal, SYNLAB Nigeria maintains has become necessary because while the convenience of email is unquestionable, the risks associated with transmitting sensitive health information, such as test results, cannot be ignored.
“In an era where individuals access their email on various devices, the potential for unintended exposure is a critical concern.
“By embracing the secured patient portal, patients can avoid these risks, ensuring that they access their test results in a secure and confidential manner.
“Beyond safeguarding sensitive information SYNLAB also seeks to foster a culture of privacy and security in healthcare interactions through the adoption of the patient portal,” it added.
The diagnostic expert noted that unintentional access compromises patients’ privacy with high potential for ethical and legal issues.
To drive the point home, SYNLAB Nigeria share a case scenario, using fictitious names.
It stated, “Sarah, wrestling with the news of an unplanned pregnancy, had decided to confide in her mother when the time was right. However, the delicate balance of trust was disrupted when the mother, Anne, curious about an email notification on the shared family computer, opened a document containing Sarah’s test result.
“The consequences of this unintended intrusion were felt immediately. Instead of the empathetic and supportive conversation that Sarah had hoped for, Anne’s discovery led to a confrontational exchange fuelled by emotions of betrayal and disappointment.”
SYNLAB Nigeria opined that this possible scenario draws attention to the inherent risks associated with delivering sensitive test results via email.
“In an age where digital communication is commonplace, the convenience of email often comes at the cost of privacy, as demonstrated in the story of Anne and Sarah.
“The email, a seemingly innocent means of communication, became a channel for unintended consequences. It allowed Anne access to information that Sarah had not yet shared, and the resulting breach of trust altered the trajectory of their relationship,” it added.
The diagnostic expert, also noted that Anne’s inadvertent access to Sarah’s test results underpinned the potential for unintended recipients to view confidential information.
It is the considered opinion of SYNLAB Nigeria that in the healthcare space, where privacy is paramount, this poses a significant risk to patient confidentiality.
Against this backdrop, SYNLAB Nigeria highlighted other dangers of emailing patients’ diagnostic results, as lack of encryption, saying emails, even those containing sensitive health information, were often transmitted without end-to-end encryption.
The firm also pointed out that absence of encryption exposes the data to potential interception, especially when accessed on public networks, adding that it further jeopardises the confidentiality of the test results.
Expatiating on limited control, it said when an email is delivered, control over who can access the information diminishes using the case point of Anne and Sarah, adding that lack of control over who could view the results led to a breach of Sarah’s privacy and a breakdown in trust.
It also raised the issue of digital sharing, which might be indiscriminate.
SYNLAB Nigeria noted that once someone accesses a digital document, the person could easily share it in one click to anyone else.
“The document alone can be transferred to other platforms and shared or the whole mail can easily be shared. Imagine that Anne, shared Sarah’s result to her father and siblings immediately she saw it,” it pointed out.
SYNLAB Nigeria is the leader in medical diagnostic services and specialty testing in Europe and offers a full range of innovative and reliable medical diagnostics to patients, practising doctors, hospitals and clinics, governments and corporates.
As part of efforts to address the long-standing plight of retired civil servants, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the payment of outstanding gratuities dating back to 2012.
According to a government house statement on Monday, the state government has, therefore, commenced the disbursement of N1 billion as the first batch of payments, fulfilling a commitment to clear the backlog inherited from previous administrations.
Gov Okpebholo emphasized his administration’s resolve to prioritize the welfare of retired civil servants who have dedicated their years of service to the state.
He noted that “For over a decade, many of our retirees have suffered due to the non-payment of their gratuities. This administration is putting an end to that hardship. I have approved the release of N1 billion for the first phase of payments, and we will not rest until all outstanding entitlements are cleared.”
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The Governor reiterated that his administration is committed to restoring the dignity of pensioners by ensuring that they receive their due benefits without further delay.
“We recognize the sacrifices made by our retirees, and it is unacceptable that they have had to wait this long for what is rightfully theirs. Our administration will not only clear these arrears but will also put measures in place to ensure such delays do not happen in the future,” Gov Okpebholo added.
He reaffirmed that his administration’s goal is to clear all outstanding gratuities in phases, ensuring that retirees enjoy the fruits of their labour.
The Governor further assured that the disbursement process will be transparent and fair, with pensioners receiving payments in batches based on a structured verification process.
“This is just the beginning. We will not abandon our pensioners. We are determined to ensure that those who served Edo State diligently are treated with the respect and care they deserve,” he concluded.
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its support for the rights of Nigerian citizens, especially young people, to stage protests and express their dissatisfaction with pressing national issues.
However, it cautioned that such actions must remain peaceful and must not result in the destruction of public infrastructure.
Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, made this known in Abuja on Monday in response to recent youth-led protests across parts of the country.
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“Everyone has the right to protest. In fact, if I had the time, I would join the protest myself. There is freedom of expression for all. The young people who are protesting have valid reasons, they see certain issues and feel the need to speak up,” Olawande said.
While backing the right to demonstrate, the minister emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order during such actions.
He warned that any attempt to damage national infrastructure under the guise of protest would not be tolerated.
“However, while exercising this right, let it not escalate into something else. We will not allow anyone to destroy the infrastructural developments that support our economy and the progress we’ve made in this country,” he stated.
He further urged protesters to express their concerns in ways that do not obstruct public movement or endanger lives, suggesting that peaceful advocacy is more effective and likely to attract genuine attention from authorities.
“Yes, you have the right to speak, to come out and make your voice heard even to stand by the roadside but do not block the roads. Find a peaceful way to express your concerns; people will listen. If I have the opportunity, I’ll be there to speak with them as well.”
Olawande assured that the government is not opposed to demonstrations, but stressed that such activities must be carried out with a sense of responsibility and respect for public property.
“Protesting is a normal part of any society, and we are here to listen. No government is saying you shouldn’t protest but there must be limits and a sense of responsibility,” he added.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is of the view that a wave of massive defections will soon hit opposition political parties in the South-South zone ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
He bared his mind over the weekend at a special reception in his honour at Ewatto, Esan South East local government area of Edo State after his victory at the election petition tribunal ruling.
He expressed gratitude to Edo people for their support, prayers, and counting him worthy to lead the State and assured the people that Edo would progress and develop under his watch.
In his words, “The people of Edo State will not regret voting me as their Governor. I am happy today that l am in a winning party. A party that was rejected by all and now has become the party that everybody wants to join. APC has come to stay as the government at the center is APC.
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“Very soon, there will be a lot of defections into the APC. People will move and cross carpet from PDP, LP and other opposition parties into the APC and that will be the beginning of South South keying into the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Today, I am happy and proud to say that I am a son to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am also proud to say I carry uncommon grace and uncommon transformation which I am already using to transform and develop Edo State.
“Words that come out of my mouth are prophetic and i am using these words to develop Edo State. My administration is working to ensure motorable roads and reducing traveling time for our people.
“Our development is also covering other neighboring States because South South must speak with one voice as we approach 2027.”
He had kind words for the royal fathers.
“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate our royal fathers for their support and prayers. I also appreciate Edo people for finding me worthy to cast their votes for me on September 21st governorship election in Edo State.
“It is not easy to run two elections in a year and win the two offices. I give God the glory. I am not the talking type and never interested in politics, but really want to develop Edo State.
“In 2021, we looked for an Esan man that would contest for Senate and we did not find any one who wanted to contest under the All Progressives Congress (APC) as everyone wanted to contest under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“The drive to contest came in 2022 when some people came to appeal to me to contest for the Senate and our discussion became an eye opener which led me into contesting for the Senate seat.
“I lost a beloved sister due to bad water which she consumed and I vowed to ensure good water is available across the State.
“I am really going to ensure good water runs in Edo State. Our development will not just be roads, schools, healthcare, providing the people with good drinking water across the State.”
The Governor and his entourage visited the place of the Onojie of Ewatto, HRH Osagie Sylvanus Ikhumen I, who was joined by other traditional rulers from Edo Central who received the Governor and prayed for the success of his administration.
He also inspected Chief Lee Ikpea’s Medical Center, Idumuiyase, Ewatto, where he was taken round the facility of the hospital, which is yet to be completed by the donor, Dr. Lemon Ikpea.
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