If in these later times of days spent in pursuit Of normality, we can at last look at our own profession (HIM) as one in which members, regardless of rank or status, possess sovereignty to express thoughts and share views without threat and fear of being intimidated, we do so with great gratitude towards those who supported our battle for positive change, justice and freedom. - NOBLEMAN 2017 

 

Suffice it for me to state that United Nation’s Adopted Universal Declaration of Human Right in 1948 bestows on individuals the Right of opinion and information and the liberty to express one’s thoughts without interference or intimidation; Hence the exoneration of any individuals who shares his/her view(s) if thus “the King do any wrong” 

 

The proposed Transfer of HIM Training from Teaching Hospitals to Polytechnics remains a figment of imagination that must not see the light of the day. Our dignity must be upheld, HIM professionals in Nigeria must not be turned to Objects of Public ridicule in health sector 

  

Of course, Nigeria and other developing countries are emulating various advancements happening in the developed part of the world like U.S.A, Canada, England etc in terms of Education and Practice of HIM. Where thus has such development taken place before? We have it on record that other developing countries in Africa like Benin Republic, Ghana, Gambia and many more have strived to scale through the hurdle of commencing degree programme in HIM. Ours in Nigeria must not be otherwise, hence the imminence to preach and pray against every forces behind the backward move 

 

The claimed bottleneck to the commencement of degree programme  which is absence of Professors in the field of Health  Information Management has the following questions surrounding it: What has been the impact of the board in getting expertise to meet up with the requirements of the NUC?  Are we saying the board is not buoyant enough to liaise with the Federal government to send few professionals abroad for training and come back to impact knowledge in Nigeria? Can’t we get Professors in the key areas in HIM like Anatomy and Physiology, Management Information System, Planning and Management, Computer Science etc to augment the considerable number of Doctorate degree holders we have presently in the country? If none of the Questions above can guide our analysis, why not organize a summit where elites suggest more reasonable points other than finding problems to solutions by transferring SHIM to Polytechnics where clinical courses do not and will never belong. 

 

To this end however;

 

1. The Health Records Officers’ Registration Board of Nigeria is charged to publish the supposed benefit of the proposed transition (if any) for public consumption and critical assessment 

 

2. The executives of HIMAN and/or AHRPN should rise against this development and engage all hands to uphold the dignity of this profession 

 

3. Heads of Schools are encouraged never to relent from their resistance against the move and continue to protect the future of unsuspecting students which lies on the policies they implement. 

 

4. International Communities and Organizations concerned with Health Information Management, most especially, IFHIMA should launch immediate intervention on this matter and proffer lasting solution to our predicaments 

 

The time for bold steps is now, nothing shall discourage us! 

 

Thank you 

 

Comr. Idowu ADEWUMI (NOBLEMAN)

07039271054

[email protected]