By Ebele Egoh
The Anambra State Hospital Management Board (SHMB) has urged Health Information Management Officers to ensure accurate medical records, timely data submission and strict protection of patients’ confidential information to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
The Director of Medical Support Services of the Board, Mrs Nneka Uzor, gave the call during a meeting and training session for health information personnel held on Oct. 9 at the SHMB conference hall.
Mrs Uzor stressed that maintaining complete medical records and safeguarding patients’ information are essential professional responsibilities, cautioning the officers against disclosing sensitive health information to unauthorised persons and urged them to uphold the highest standards of confidentiality.
Also speaking, the Head of Health Information Management at the Board, Mrs Ijeoma Onyeogulu, outlined key guidelines for compiling, managing and submitting health data.
She emphasised that accurate, complete and reliable information from health facilities is crucial for effective planning and policymaking. According to her, quality health data enables government and relevant authorities to assess facility performance, identify gaps in service delivery and make informed decisions on healthcare priorities.
The officers were directed to submit their monthly reports on or before the seventh day of every month, with failure to meet the deadline potentially attracting disciplinary action.
Participants also shared updates on their work and challenges in their respective facilities. They welcomed the training, particularly the newly recruited officers, who said the session had improved their understanding of proper health information management and reporting procedures.
Ebele Egoh is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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