The Clinical Services Department of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, held its 10th Grand Round on Tuesday, 20th October, 2026 with the theme, “The Power of Health Data: Data Privacy and Security in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex—What Everyone Should Know.”
The event brought together heads of departments, consultants, doctors, and other members of staff for an impactful engagement.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Medical Director, represented by the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Olalekan Olasehinde, described health data as one of the hospital’s most valuable assets and emphasized that every staff member must understand the confidential nature of patient information. He urged members of staff to take the lectures seriously and become ambassadors of data privacy in their respective units. He also reaffirmed management’s commitment to strengthening the hospital’s digital infrastructure and ensuring full compliance with national data protection regulations.
Delivering the first lecture, a Registered Health Information Management Officer, Mr Oluwajuwonlo Oyebanji highlighted the importance of protecting patients’ health data, including personal details, medical history, test results, and treatment records. Mr Oyebanji emphasized that all healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, Health Information Management professionals, and IT personnel share responsibility for maintaining patient confidentiality. He noted that electronic health records require proper security and governance, stressing that access to patient information must be authorized and guided by law, ethics, and trust.
The second speaker, Mrs Ruth Akinbitan also a Registered Health Information Management Officer, discussed health data security and the importance of confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) in protecting patients’ information. She explained that privacy respects patients’ rights to control their information, while security protects it from unauthorized access, loss, alteration, or disclosure. She also stressed the need to maintain accurate health records and ensure that case folders remain in the institution’s custody.
She urged hospital management to replace outdated computers, appoint a Data Protection Officer, digitize Health Information Management sections, recruit more HIM officers, and educate staff and patients about electronic health records and data protection rights. She concluded that health data is a valuable resource that requires strong security measures to protect patients and improve healthcare delivery.
Written by: Olufayo Deborah
Photo Credit Funminiyi Jayeoba
