Ogun health records body seeks digital transition

By Taiwo Bankole

The Association of Health Records and Information Management Practitioners of Nigeria, Ogun State, has called for improved investment in the adoption of digital technology to revolutionise healthcare delivery in the state.

The association called on the state government to adopt full integration of Electronic Medical Records, Electronic Health Records, and Health Information Systems for a transformative healthcare sector.

The association stated that “the adoption of these technologies improves efficiency, enhances patient safety, and supports data-driven decision-making for improved care services in the health sector.”

The health information professionals also lamented what they described as an unfavourable and archaic scheme of service, which is affecting their career progression and recognition.

They said that the current scheme of service does not adequately reflect the evolving roles of HIM professionals in a technology-driven healthcare system and, therefore, its review is long overdue.

The association disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday and jointly signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Obabiyi Rashidat and Kayode Paul, respectively, to commemorate the 2026 Health Information Professionals Week with the theme “Guardians of Health Information: Driving Healthcare Transformation Through Technology.”

They declared that the theme of this year’s HIP Week underscores the importance of digital innovation in strengthening healthcare delivery and improving patient outcomes.

The association regretted that despite being a critical workforce in the healthcare sector, they are often under-appreciated within the system, calling on the state government to address this challenge and ensure that HIM professionals also occupy a place of pride in the scheme of things in the state.

Underscoring the importance of HIM practitioners to qualitative healthcare, the union said, “We are responsible for accurate documentation, storage, timely retrieval, and confidentiality of patients’ health records.

“Our work supports clinical decision-making, research, planning, and policy formulation. Without reliable health data, effective and efficient healthcare delivery cannot be achieved.”

Speaking further, the statement added that “Health Information Management professionals are central to the success of modern healthcare systems.

“However, our efforts are being constrained by systemic challenges, particularly the outdated scheme of service, which limits career growth and does not reflect current technological realities.

“We respectfully call on the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, to urgently review and upgrade the scheme of service for Health Information Management professionals.

“This will not only improve workforce motivation but also enhance service delivery across the healthcare sector.

“Furthermore, we urge the government to invest in modern health information technologies, strengthen capacity building, and support the full digital transformation of healthcare in Ogun State,” the statement read.

The association used the occasion of HIP Week 2026 celebration to reaffirm the commitment of the practitioners in the state to advancing excellence in their professional calling, while serving as the true guardians of health information, playing a vital role in ensuring that accurate, secure, and accessible data continues to drive qualitative healthcare services in the state.

The HIP Week, first established in 1990 by the American Health Information Management Association in the United States, is an annual global event dedicated to recognising the vital contributions of Health Information Management professionals to healthcare systems worldwide.

The 2026 edition, with the theme “Guardians of Health Information: Driving Healthcare Transformation Through Technology,” will be held from April 19 to 24 across the world.

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