The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziak Adekunle Salako, has emphasized the critical role of Health Information Management (HIM) in advancing healthcare services in Nigeria.
He made this statement during a visit to the Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigeria (HRORBN) headquarters in Abuja.
During the visit, Dr. Salako lauded the Board’s efforts in digitalizing its operations and ensuring efficient health information management across the country.
The Registrar/CEO of HRORBN, Alhaji Babagana Mustapha, briefed the Minister on the Board’s progress, including strides in promoting effective health data management and addressing emerging challenges.
“The Board has made significant strides in promoting effective health information management in Nigeria.
Despite the challenges we face, we remain committed to ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of health data management,” said Alhaji Babagana.
Among the Board’s key achievements, the Registrar highlighted the review of training curricula, organization of implementation workshops, and professional training programs.
Notably, the HRORBN has trained 200 HIM professionals across hospitals in Nigeria on data privacy and protection in collaboration with the National Data Protection Commission.
However, the Registrar outlined critical challenges hampering the Board’s performance, including the need for permanent office accommodation, inadequate operational vehicles, high rates of quackery in the profession, and insufficient HIM staff in the Federal Ministry of Health.
He appealed to the Minister for support in addressing these issues.
In response, Dr. Salako reassured the Board of the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for effective health information management.
He stressed the need for synergy between HRORBN and other regulatory bodies in the health sector, urging the Board to strengthen its zonal offices to combat quackery and ensure resource optimization.
“The Ministry will support the Board in its mandate and ensure the challenges raised are addressed. There is a need for stronger collaboration with other regulatory bodies to build a befitting facility for the Board,” Dr. Salako stated.
The Minister commended the Board’s efforts in tackling quackery, describing it as a major concern in the health sector.
He called for continued vigilance to ensure only qualified professionals practice health information management in Nigeria.