By Victor Ahiuma-Young

Health record professionals have called for an urgent transition from manual documentation to digital systems, warning that Nigeria’s quest for efficient healthcare delivery and universal health coverage may remain elusive without a technology-driven overhaul.

The call was made at the Lagos State Congress of the Association of Health Records and Information Management Practitioners of Nigeria (AHRIMPN), where new executives were elected to steer the affairs of the association.

Chief Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr Olugbenga Owoeye, underscored the importance of proper filing and documentation of patients’ records, noting that healthcare institutions would struggle to function effectively without reliable health records systems.

Describing information as power, Owoeye said the election of new executives was crucial to improving members’ welfare and strengthening the association’s professional relevance.

Board membe,r Dr Benson Eweghoro urged members to continually update their knowledge and ensure they are properly registered in the department’s component areas of records, information and communications technology (ICT), and statistics. He assured them that the challenges confronting the association would be overcome through unity and cooperation.

Eweghoro also charged the newly elected leaders to carry every member along, remain united, and speak with one voice in advancing the association’s goals.

Delivering a lecture on the theme: Redefining Professionalism and Accountability in Health Records and Information Management Practice, Director of Professions Allied to Medicine, Nigerian Army Medical Corps, Lt. Col. Israel Busayo, stressed that health records management must shift decisively from manual to digital systems if Nigeria is to achieve universal health coverage.

He emphasised the need for accountability and professionalism in practice, particularly in an era marked by heightened data privacy concerns and rapid technological changes. Busayo further advocated a review of the existing curriculum to incorporate health data science and artificial intelligence in line with global best practices.

National President of AHRIMPN, Abiodun Afolabi, represented by the association’s Chief Internal Auditor, Suleiman Makusidi, reaffirmed the national body’s commitment to its RISE agenda of purpose, inclusiveness, accountability and progress.

 aimed at repositioning and strengthening the association for sustainable excellence.

He urged the new leadership in Lagos State to close ranks, broaden the association’s vision, and elevate health records management to a higher pedestal within Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Outgoing Lagos State Chairman of AHRIMPN, Samson Gidado, commended members for their cooperation during his tenure and pledged his support to the new executives to ensure improved performance and greater achievements.

Babafemi Macaulay emerged as Chairman, while Christopher Akintola was elected Vice Chairman. Fanibi Ayodeji was elected Secretary-General, and Clement Odeyemi will serve as Treasurer.

Awards of excellence were also presented to deserving members in recognition of their contributions to the growth and development of the association.