[afro-nets] RFI: How to establish a working HMIS in northern Nigeria (7)

["Chimere Okoronkwo" <chimereqmo@yahoo.com>]

RFI: How to establish a working HMIS in northern Nigeria (7)
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Hi Mohammed,

The problem with establishing the National Health Management Information System (NHMIS) is at the level of the Management of the Health sector especially at the local government level. There is poor commitment on the part of the managers of the health sector to see the NHMIS run properly.

Dipo, in his response enumerated all the problems with the system. The NGOs and the World Bank are playing their role, but there really is a limit to what they can do and achieve. I give you an example, the national policy on the NHMIS stipulates that 0.5% to 1% of the health budget should be set aside for the operation of the NHMIS. This is observed only in the breach. 

My take on all this, is that setting up the system is not the main issue as you can see some semblance of the system at the local government level. The main concern should be the sustainability of the system over time and when all the NGOs and bilateral organizations are gone. My recommendation is for the Managers of the Health system to appreciate the importance of the system. It is for them to see it as an important tool for their jobs. If and when this is achieved establishing and sustaining the NHMIS will be easier.

Warm regards,

Dr. Chimere Okoronkwo.
mailto:chimereqmo@yahoo.com