From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Associate, Professor Joseph Ugboaja, has assured students of the School of Health Information Management that the premium he placed on information technology and digitalization of the health institution remained non-negotiable.
Associate Prof Ugboaja disclosed this at the 2023 health information week and the 20th matriculation ceremony of the school.
The CMD who was represented on the occasion by the Chairman, Medical and Advisory Council (CMAC), Associate Prof Ogochukwu Ezejiofor said since every activity in many walks of life is now driven by information technology, that the hospital would not be left out.
He told the students that they were privileged to be students of the institution that had keyed into e-practice. He disclosed that the NAUTH consultations and clinics are now run on e-platform.
“Our health records have started the process of e-platform. This institution is prepared to equip you with what you need in electronic records. You’re coming to a system where the institution has done a lot in that regard. That means your learning is now digitalized.
“The CMD deserves a commendation. If you are enthusiastic and hard-working, you will actually key into what happens globally and you will be able to know the international best practices which is made possible by the available information technology in the new NAUTH, ” he said.
Ezejiofor told the students that the issue of space for them would soon become a thing of the past. He assured them that they were all going to the permanent site where a conducive and serene environment for learning was awaiting them.
“Most of the things we are talking about will happen at the permanent site which is built to be an information technology hub, a global centre to benefit you in your studies. Our CMD has big plans to have a befitting School of Health Information Management which will soon be located on the permanent site, ” he added.
He told the matriculants that with their formal admission into the school they had been given the key to open their individual doors of success, saying that it behoved on them to use the key appropriately.
In his address, the head of the school, Mrs Uche Nwajagu said it had produced over the years many dynamic and diligent registered health information professionals with a high degree of excellence in learning and character.
She noted that most of the products of the school were serving in reputable health institutions, advancing their studies in Nigeria and the diaspora, and exhibiting a high level of professionalism.
Mrs Nwajagu disclosed that the profession was regulated by the Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigeria.
“This school has built a reputation since inception that is being sustained. Mobilization of graduates for NYSC has been on since 2013. At present, thirty-one persons have been mobilized for Batch ‘B’, 2023,” she said.