…Stakeholders urge government support to overcome infrastructure challenges
By Akinpelu Olayinka
Healthcare professionals and key stakeholders have called on the Federal Government to prioritise the nationwide adoption and funding of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare delivery.
The appeal was made on Tuesday during the 2025 Health Information Professionals Week held at the Muhammadu Buhari Telemedicine Hall, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta.
Organised by the Association of Health Records and Information Management Practitioners of Nigeria (AHRIMPN), the conference brought together top health administrators, medical experts, royal dignitaries, and policy influencers to assess the progress and challenges of EMR implementation in the country.
Dr Kehinde Olaide Oluwasanmi, Assistant Director of Electronic Medical Records at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, highlighted the transformation brought by the current EMR system.
He said the system has helped reduce healthcare costs, cut waiting times, and enabled quicker access to patient data, enhancing doctors’ efficiency.
“The past EMR system was horrible and problematic,” he said, “but the new system has brought free access to patient records and more reliability.”
He, however, noted the shortage of computers, desktops, and infrastructure as ongoing challenges and called on the government to invest more in the system’s expansion.
Dr D.A. Adesanya, Provost of the Royal Institute of Health Technology, Ifo, echoed similar sentiments. He urged the government to empower health professionals to lead the implementation of EMR at all levels.
“Each health facility should have at least two health records professionals. Tertiary institutions should also assign two professionals to each unit,” he advised.
Dr Adesanya stressed the importance of data ownership, stating that trained health professionals should be responsible for gathering, processing, and analysing medical data for better planning and research.
He praised the strides made by Nigerian professionals in adopting EMR technology, which was once thought to be exclusive to developed countries.
“The improvements are visible and commendable,” he said, while encouraging his colleagues to keep upgrading their skills.
Also present at the event were dignitaries such as Dr D.A. Adesanya; Dr Saheed Adediran, Head of Clinical Services, FMC Abeokuta; Dr Kehinde Exodus Apanisile, Director for Administration, FMC Abeokuta; Prof Saka Balogun; Mr Raphael Asefon, Director for Health Information Management, FMC Abeokuta; Mr Ikubolaje Famujimi Ojo, South-West Coordinator of AHRIMPN; and HRM Oba Adegboyega Anifowose Keregbetu II of Owu.
Others included Dr Muhammadu Rabiu Salihu of FUNAAB, Dr Olusanjo Olugbenga, Mrs Obabiyi Rasheedat Olufunmilayo, Chairperson of AHRIMPN, and several retired and serving leaders in health information management.
Several individuals were honoured at the event for their contributions to healthcare and medical record advancements.
Notable awardees include Prof. Musa Olomu, Medical Director of FMC Idi-Aba; Dr A.A. Agboola of Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro; Dr O.O. Elemide, Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly; and HRH Oba Abdul-Gafar Tijani of Owowo, Ogun State.
The conference ended with a renewed commitment by health professionals to work with government and partners in ensuring that EMR becomes a permanent feature of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
