The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), in collaboration with the Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigeria, recently organized a capacity-building workshop for Health Records Officers from various states across the country. The workshop aimed to enhance data protection practices in the health sector.
The event commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC. The workshop was formally opened by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who was represented by Dr. Mrs. Obiajulu Ugbo, Senior Technical Assistant to the Minister of State for Health.
In his address, Dr. Olatunji highlighted the critical importance of data protection within the health sector, emphasizing the sensitive and confidential nature of the data collected and processed. He noted that the workshop is vital as it targets over 40,000 health professionals across Nigeria who handle health records and related matters. Sharing real-life case studies, Dr. Olatunji underscored the potential health risks faced by data subjects in the event of data breaches and stressed the need for robust technical and organizational measures to protect personal data.
Dr. Olatunji also spoke about the National Certification process, urging participants to engage actively in the training and pursue certification to leverage opportunities in the growing data privacy sector.
During the workshop, Dr. Vincent Olatunji was honored with an honorary membership award in recognition of his contributions to data protection in the health sector. The event also featured the presence of Alhaji Babagana Mustapha, Registrar of the Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigeria, and other senior officers from the Board.
ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU