The International Society for Telemedicine and eHealth (ISfTeH), was originally formed in 1997 to represent individuals with interest in telemedicine. It was re-founded under Swiss Law in 2003. One of the essential changes was the transformation from an organization of individuals into an umbrella association for national telemedicine and eHealth organizations, which is politically neutral and democratic.
The main activities of the society are the promotion and support of telemedicine and eHealth activities worldwide, assisting the startup of new national organizations, and supporting developing countries in the fields of telemedicine and eHealth.
Dr. Olajide Joseph Adebola, followed by Dr. Taiwo Joseph-Kolo, Dr. Babajide Lawson, Dr. Oladapo Olayiwola, and Dr. Olushola Ojo were the first Nigerians to join ISfTeH. At the General Assembly of ISfTeH held in Luxembourg on April 6, 2005, the congress agreed that individual members should get the eHealth association in their respective countries started to facilitate the development, and dissemination of knowledge in telemedicine and eHealth worldwide. Dr. Olajide Adebola represented Nigeria and Society for Telemedicine and eHealth In Nigeria was birthed.
Thus, the Society for Telemedicine and eHealth in Nigeria started with Dr. Olajide Adebola presiding over her.
The Society placed Nigeria in the League of nations involved in telemedicine and eHealth, promoting global competitiveness, facilitating knowledge dissemination and experience, and providing access to recognized experts in the field of telemedicine.
On the 27th of September 2005, the Society took the initiative and organized the first multi-national stakeholders’ meeting on “Developing Sustainable Telemedicine and eHealth Program for Nigeria”, to support the agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria in strategy and policy formulation for Information Technology use in healthcare delivery.
The Society has since become the advocate for the efficient and sustainable use of information communication technology as a tool for improving healthcare delivery across the nation. The Society has partnered with the Federal and State governments to foster