The Honorable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, highlighted the importance of health data in the health sector at a two-day training program on data Protection and Privacy held at the e-Government Training Center, Abuja. Represented by Dr. Mrs. Obiajulu Ugbo, Senior Technical Assistant, the Minister emphasized that the training will enhance the confidentiality of health data.
Dr. Ugbo stressed that prioritizing trust and confidentiality of patient data is a collective responsibility, noting that data privacy is a fundamental human right, not just a technical issue. The Minister concluded by saying that the ministry will collaborate with organizers of this program to create a path forward that balances innovation with responsibility and progress on data protection.
In his remarks, the Registrar/CEO of the Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigeria (HRORBN), Alhaji Babagana Mustapha, reiterated that health data is sensitive, confidential, and vital to the development of the health sector as well as national economic growth.
He emphasized the importance of the training theme for health professionals, particularly Health Records and Information Management Practitioners. Alhaji Mustapha also appealed for Data Protection Officers (DPOs) in the health sector to be the Registered Health Records and Information Management Practitioners, who are already responsible for such roles. He further suggested that the National Commissioner establish a department or unit to oversee health-related data in the country.
The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent O. Olatunji, who was honored with an Honorary Membership award by the Board, stated that participants will gain knowledge and become licensed data protection professionals recognized globally. He emphasized the relevance of Health Information Management practitioners in handling the largest data in the health sector and promised to collaborate with them through the Board to ensure sacred health data.
The training program, organized by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission in collaboration with the Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigeria, aims to establish a robust framework for healthy data privacy and security, aligning with global standards and adapting to local needs.
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