…Honoured for Their Roles in Saving Lives Behind the Scenes
Olayinka Akinpelu
The Association of Health Records and Information Management Practitioners of Nigeria (AHRIMPN), Ogun State Chapter, on Tuesday marked its Health Information Professionals Week with a strong call to recognize and invest in the invisible workforce powering the health sector—health information professionals.
Speaking during the event, Mrs Obabiyi Rasheedat Olufunmilayo, Chairperson of AHRIMPN Ogun State Branch, praised the relentless efforts of her colleagues, describing them as “silent heroes” whose dedication often goes unnoticed despite being central to the delivery of quality healthcare.
“Our theme for this year, ‘Celebrating Our Heroes,’ could not be more fitting,” she said.
“We recognize and honour the health information professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that our healthcare system runs efficiently, ethically, and effectively.”
She emphasized that the professionals play a pivotal role in data collection, patient record management, maintaining confidentiality, and supporting informed decision-making in healthcare.
“Without our dedication, health planning, disease tracking, and patient care would lack the precision and coordination they so desperately require,” she added.
“We are not just keeping records; we are keeping lives connected.”
Mrs Obabiyi also urged members of the association to mentor upcoming professionals, embrace technology, and remain committed to ethical standards and continuous development.
In support of the event’s objectives, the guest speaker and Deputy Director of Health Services at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Saliu Muhammadu Rabiu, underscored the importance of accurate information in achieving better health outcomes.
“The take-home message from today is simple—better health is only achievable through better information,” Rabiu stated in an interview with Medalinks News24.
“Every stakeholder must see it as a duty to improve the healthcare system by supporting the role of information.”
Rabiu called on the association to continue leveraging technology and stay in sync with global best practices, citing the importance of tools like Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Healthcare Data Management and Analytics (HDMA).
“Global trends show that data analytics is the backbone of modern health systems. To minimise costs and improve health outcomes, health information professionals must lead the way,” he said.
He pointed to the example of the Federal Medical Centre’s adoption of electronic health records since 2017, describing it as evidence that Nigeria’s health information management is aligning with international standards.
Rabiu further appealed to the government to increase funding for health information systems.
“The government must make adequate budgetary provisions for infrastructure and technology in health information management. This is a win-win strategy that improves the system and outcomes alike,” he advised.
