ON HEALTH MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM (A Case Study of Christian Health Association of Nigeria)

Abstract

Information they say, is power. The dynarruc nature of the health care system makes imperative the need to develop the information subsystem within it. Information system development, even though costly, has immense gains. Even though orthodox medicine is about one century old in Nigeria, its information system is largely underdeveloped. This research work is a humble contribution to the development of computerised Health Management Information System in Nigeria using the Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN - a non governmental organisation) as a case study. The work cashes on the potential advantages of reliability, efficiency, completeness and continuity of health data from about 4,000 health facilities responsible for about 40% of the total health services rendered in the country. A study of the existing system was made and the design of a new one carried out. The eclectic approach to system conversion was suggested with a built-in maintenance culture.