The Association of Health Records and Information Management Practitioners of Nigeria (AHRIMPN), Lagos State chapter, has emphasised the importance of health records institutions, noting that it would be difficult to work without proper filing and documentation of patients’ records.

Chief Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Dr Olugbenga Owoeye, said this during the state’s congress, where new executives emerged.

Noting that information is power, he said the election of new executives was paramount for improving members’ welfare and professional relevance.

In his remarks, board member Dr Benson Eweghoro urged members of the union to continue updating and to get themselves registered in the department’s component areas of records, information and communications technology (ICT), and statistics.

While he urged for continued cooperation, he assured them that the challenges facing the association would be surmounted.

For the newly elected executives, he urged them to carry every member along and to be united, speaking with one voice.

Speaking 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. Isreal Busayo, said for Nigeria to achieve universal health coverage, health records must shift from manual to digital recording.

He called for proper accountability and professionalism in practice, especially in the era of data privacy and the barriers of the modern age.

With the era of automation, Busayo urged that the curriculum should be overhauled and replaced with health data science and artificial intelligence (AI).

National President of AHRIMPN, Abiodun Afolabi, who was represented by the association’s Chief Internal Auditor, Suleiman Makusidi, reaffirmed the national body’s commitment to the RISE agenda of purpose, inclusiveness, accountability and progress to reposition and strengthen the association for sustainable excellence.

He urged the new leadership to close ranks, broaden the association’s vision, and position health record management on a high pedestal.

Outgoing chairman, Lagos State, AHRIMPN, Samson Gidado, commended the cooperation received from members during his tenure and pledged his support to the new executives for better performance and achievements.

Among the newly elected leaders are Babafemi Macaulay as Chairman; Christopher Akintola as Vice Chairman; Fanibi Ayodeji as Secretary-General, and Clement Odeyemi as Treasurer.

Awards of excellence were also presented to deserving members for their contributions to the association’s growth and development.