Skip to main content

Posts

Raising the Bar: Dr. Umar Faruk Abubakar’s Historic Breakthrough in HIM

  In every profession, there are pioneers who break barriers and open new doors of possibility for those coming behind them. In the field of Health InformationManagement (HIM) in Nigeria, one name stands out boldly; Dr. Umar FarukAbubakar . His inspiring journey is a shining example of dedication, vision, and a deep commitment to professional excellence. In 2013, Dr. Umar Faruk Abubakar made history by becoming the first Health Information Management professional from Nigeria to obtain a Master of Science (MSc) degree in the field . He pursued his postgraduate studies at KingstonUniversity, London , where he enrolled in the MSc Information Systems program, specializing in Health Information Management . This groundbreaking achievement not only marked a personal milestone for Dr. Abubakar but also elevated the standard for the entire HIM profession in Nigeria. Before this time, the University of Ibadan had been offering a Professional Master’s program in Health Information M...
Recent posts

FMC Abeokuta to Play Host as Ogun Health Information Professionals Mark HIP Week 2025

The Ogun State Branch of the Association of Health Records and Information Management Practitioners of Nigeria (AHRIMPN) is putting finishing touches to its much-anticipated maiden edition of the Health Information Professionals (HIP) Week 2025. This year’s celebration, with the inspiring theme "Celebrating the Heroes of Health Information Management," is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at the Telemedicine Hall, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta. The event will kick off at 12:00 PM. The HIP Week is designed not just as a gathering, but as a platform to honour outstanding individuals who have contributed immensely to the growth of Health Information Management in Ogun State. These include former Heads of Departments (HODs), past State Chairmen, and other committed professionals who have left lasting footprints in the field. More than just celebration, the event also comes with an advocacy drive — a solidarity walk to Oke-Mosan, the seat of the Ogun State Gove...

HIM MEDIA Hosts First-Ever Strategic Retreat in Ibadan

The maiden edition of the HIM MEDIA Retreat 1.0, held recently in Ibadan, brought together board members, media professionals, and communication experts for a remarkable time of learning, connection, and visioning. HIM Media Solutions is a leading health information advocacy agency in Nigeria, renowned for its top-notch delivery and commitment to promoting excellence within the Health Information Management (HIM) space The retreat provided a platform for participants to share ideas, build relationships, and chart a united path for the future of HIM MEDIA — an emerging media brand focused on promoting excellence, creativity, and professionalism within and beyond the Health Information Management space. The retreat focused on conversations that matter in elevating and projecting the Health Information Management (HIM) profession, while also shaping the consciousness of young HIM professionals — ranging from mindset development, exploring digital technology and business opportunities, to ...

Bridging the Gap Between Health Information Management and IT in Nigeria’s Healthcare System

The healthcare system is evolving rapidly due to technological advancements. Health Information Management (HIM) professionals play a critical role in managing electronic health records (EHRs), data analytics, interoperability, cybersecurity, and compliance. However, in Nigeria, instead of fostering collaboration, there is often a clash between HIM and Information Technology (IT) departments. This disconnect stems from overlapping responsibilities, limited awareness of HIM’s expertise in health data governance, and the struggle for control over health information systems. Bridging this gap is crucial to ensuring seamless data integrity, security, and efficient healthcare delivery in the digital age. HIM professionals are data stewards who are trained and licensed to ensure that health information is properly managed, secured, and utilized for decision-making. The key duties are  to ensure proper data management, medical coding and classification, health information exchange, health...

"Many HIM Professionals Felt Invisible, Underappreciated During COVID-19 — Olamitundun Akinjide Reavels How 2019 Pandemic Inspired Creation of Ace Medformatics

Olamitundun Akinjde, the strategic head of Ace Medformatics, a prominent advocacy group in the health information management (HIM) field, has said in a recent interview that the organisation has rapidly become a vital voice advocating for the recognition and advancement of HIM professionals.  She stressed that the organisation was born out of the frustrations experienced by young HIM professionals at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital; Ace Medformatics aims to bridge critical gaps in the healthcare system. How It All Began In an interview with HIM Media NG , Mrs. Olamitundun Akinjide shared how the creation of Ace Medformatics was driven by the frustrations faced by HIM professionals.  “During the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear that the role of HIM professionals was underappreciated,”. Olamitundun explained.  “Many of us felt invisible, especially during the pandemic. That’s when we realized the need for a platform that could advocate for our profession and...

IJHRIM Launches Online Platform to Advance Health Records and Information Management Research

International Journal of Health Records Goes Online, Targets Global Audience The International Journal of Health Records & Information Management (IJHRIM) has officially launched its online presence, making its volumes accessible via Nigerian Journals Online .  This milestone aims to enhance global access to groundbreaking research in health records and information management. With a mission to foster collaboration and innovation, the journal offers a platform for health professionals, researchers, and academics to exchange ideas and solutions that address the complexities of modern healthcare systems. The International Journal of Health Records & Information Management (IJHRIM) emerged as a pioneering platform dedicated to advancing the academic discipline Health Records and Information Management. This journal seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and practical healthcare delivery, empowering primary care providers across diverse settings Driving Innovation...

Health Minister Assures Support for HIM Development in Nigeria

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziak Adekunle Salako, has emphasized the critical role of Health Information Management (HIM) in advancing healthcare services in Nigeria . He made this statement during a visit to the Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigeria (HRORBN) headquarters in Abuja. During the visit, Dr. Salako lauded the Board’s efforts in digitalizing its operations and ensuring efficient health information management across the country. The Registrar/CEO of HRORBN, Alhaji Babagana Mustapha, briefed the Minister on the Board’s progress, including strides in promoting effective health data management and addressing emerging challenges. “The Board has made significant strides in promoting effective health information management in Nigeria. Despite the challenges we face, we remain committed to ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of health data management,” said Alhaji Babagana. Among the Board's key achievements, the Registrar highlight...