The Ghana Health Information Management Association (GHIMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing accurate and reliable healthcare data to aid planning, monitoring and proper healthcare delivery in Ghana.

In a New Year message shared by GHIMA, the president of the Association, Richard Delali Ahedor, acknowledged the critical function of healthcare data.

“Every health facility visited, every diagnosis, every treatment decision depends on accurate and secure healthcare data. And behind the management of the data are trained health information management professionals, legally mandated to protect your medical records, your privacy and confidentiality. Quality healthcare depends on quality healthcare data; its completeness, accuracy, timeliness, security, and above all trustworthiness. From diagnosis and treatment to national planning and policy, healthcare data is the foundation of every meaningful health decision.

Health Information Profession is legally mandated to manage, protect, and safeguard patient health information in Ghana. We are the custodians of medical records, digital health systems, reporting platforms, and data governance processes that ensure patient privacy, confidentiality, and security.”

He also highlighted challenges affecting the country’s healthcare data system.

“We acknowledge the challenges our health system has faced over the years. This includes data quality gaps, system inefficiencies, and growing concerns about data privacy in an increasingly digital world. In this New Year, we are assuring the nation that we are prepared. Our professional group is on the locus of strengthened training, standards, digital health competencies, and accountability mechanisms to ensure healthcare data truly supports quality care.”

He continued that the Association will collaborate with other agencies to ensure the quality delivery of healthcare.

“This new year, our work will continue to align with national health priorities, including the Ministry of Health’s reforms, digital health strategies, health sector legislation, regulatory practices and international standards for data governance and patient safety.

We stand committed to supporting facility managers, regulators, and policymakers with reliable data for planning, monitoring, evaluation, and accountability, because evidence must lead policy, and data must lead care.”

His message ended with a wish for the health and progress of the country in the coming year, assuring the public that their health information is safe in the hands of GHIMA.