HEALTH RECORDS INFORMATION OFFICERS CHARGED ON EFFECTIVE USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ON JOB - As Ondo PS of Health receives Award of Excellence

Health Records and Information Practitioners in the Country have been urged to key into the use of Information Technology to help in the discharge of their duties as Health Practitioners as they play a pivotal role in the Health Sector in the Country.
This was disclosed at the 42nd Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Health Records and Information Management Practitioners of Nigeria (AHRIMPN) in collaboration with the Health Records Officers’ Registration Board of Nigeria (HRORBN) held in Akure, the State Capital.

As the keynote speaker for the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Pharm. Folukemi Aladenola noted that Healthcare data is the lifeblood of informed decision making in healthcare industry and it plays a vital role in shaping Healthcare policies, decision making and resources allocation.
According to her, it is essential to manage and analyze huge Health data but the outdated data management process is not sufficient to analyze big data as variety and volume of data sources have increased in the past decades
“Many of our health facilities in the country still rely on manual record keeping leading to inefficiencies errors and difficulties in data analysis, the country is yet to explore the power of collaborative institution data working”. Aladenola called for a change to modern ways of data system saying things must change.
She advised that there should be establishment of data sharing protocols where Healthcare providers can collaborate, exchange information and contribute to a more holistic understanding of Health issues in Nigeria.

Likewise, the Permanent Secretary urged communities’ integration into data system to change data narratives in the country.
“We need to engage the communities and promote health literacy, educating individual about importance of health data, it's significance in decision making and how it can impact Healthcare outcomes, encourage active participation and support in data collection efforts. There is therefore urgent need for new and innovative health data tools and technology that can meet and exceed the ability of managing Healthcare data in a world propelled by technology. Our Healthcare must evolve to meet the demands of the 21st century.”

While lauding the efforts of the Government of Ondo State, Aladenola said Ondo State Government has trained and retrained officers to meet the demands of their jobs in different capacities while noting that the Ministry has continued to do data validation for effectiveness of data generated.
She informed that the Government has given approval for the recruitment of Health Workers to mitigate against the japa syndrome as retired officers who are still interested in working will be brought back to the system to serve in the various hospitals in the State.

Earlier the Registrar/CEO, Health Records Officers’ Registration Board of Nigeria (HRORBN), Alhaji Babagana Mustapha said some unprecedented strides have been achieved to strengthen the quality of Health Information Management such as The review of National Diploma and Higher National Diploma ((HND) curricula in collaboration with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) then the successful review of accreditation guideline to meet the current standard required of a training institute.

While presenting the Award of Excellence to the Permanent Secretary, the Registrar of the Board said the support of the Government and the Ministry has not gone unnoticed by the board which has necessitated the giving of the award. He appreciated the Government for the support for their officials in the State.