The Oyo State Government has commenced a two-day capacity-building programme for medical record officers and technicians, focusing on digital health and health information management systems, as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
The training, organised through the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, brought together 66 participants, with two representatives drawn from each of the 33 local government areas. It is being facilitated by Royal Immaculate Consult.
Declaring the training open, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Muyideen Olatunji, charged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to improve their competence and relevance within the civil service.
He emphasised the importance of continuous self-development, noting that the evolving nature of healthcare requires personnel to constantly upgrade their knowledge and skills.
Olatunji explained that the training is part of the state government’s broader strategy to digitise healthcare delivery and improve data management. He disclosed that the government had made significant investments in digital infrastructure, including the procurement of laptops for over 350 primary healthcare facilities across the state.
According to him, the state has already transitioned significantly from manual to electronic data capture and reporting, describing the process as gradual but impactful.
“This is not the first training we are conducting, and it will not be the last. We are building capacity in phases to ensure our workforce can effectively utilise the digital tools already deployed in our facilities,” he said.
The training covers key areas such as health information management, telemedicine, digital health in public health practice, data quality, and the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Executive Officer of Immaculate Hospital and Health Management Service Limited, Dr. Abass Gbolahan, said the programme was designed to address gaps in data collection and management within the health sector.
He noted that reliance on paper-based records had often led to data loss and inefficiencies, stressing that digital systems would enhance accuracy, accessibility, and continuity of patient information.
“Globally, digital health is the direction healthcare systems are moving towards, and Nigeria cannot afford to lag. Reliable data from the grassroots is critical to effective planning at both the state and national levels,” he said.
Dr. Gbolahan added that the training would equip participants with the skills to properly utilise digital tools already provided by the government, including laptops and tablets deployed to health facilities.
He explained that the initiative would also improve patient care, as digital records enable quick retrieval of medical history, thereby supporting better clinical decision-making.
The consultant further revealed that the 66 participants represent the first cohort, noting that additional training sessions would be organised to cover more health workers across the state.
Participants were urged to approach the training with seriousness and commitment, as the knowledge acquired would not only enhance their current roles but also prepare them for future responsibilities within and beyond the civil service.
The training underscores the Oyo State Government’s commitment to modernising its healthcare system through technology-driven solutions and continuous workforce development.
