Nigerian Air Force Commissions Newly Constructed Aviation Medicine Department, Electronic Medical Records System

Nigerian Air Force Commissions Newly Constructed Aviation Medicine Department, Electronic Medical Records System

In realization of the fact that the most critical resource factor in any endeavour is the human being, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under the leadership of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has placed emphasis on ensuring the physical and mental well being of its personnel.

This has been actualized through the execution of numerous welfare related projects, especially for enhanced healthcare services through the establishment of new hospitals and upgrade of facilities in existing ones. In furtherance of this commitment, the CAS, on, 6 February 2019, commissioned a newly constructed Aviation Medicine Department and Electronic Medical Records System (EMR) at the 063 NAF Hospital (063 NAFH), NAF Base, Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja.

Speaking during the event, the CAS, who was represented by the Chief of Medical Services (CMS), Headquarters (HQ) NAF, Air Commodore Mohammed Shaibu, stated that the involvement of NAF personnel in Internal Security Operations in various Theatres across the country requires that the personnel be assured of robust medical facilities to provide optimum healthcare in support of the operations.

In addition, these personnel are also assured that their families have access to the best healthcare services. Hence, they are able to concentrate on their duties and give their best, he said.

He further stated that, the EMR as well as the newly constructed and fully equipped Aviation Medicine Department would improve both the quality and scope of medical services provided in the hospital whilst also enabling the conduct of Annual Medical Review for NAF aircrew in Abuja, thereby enhancing operational effectiveness and efficiency.

He urged the beneficiaries of the new facilities to put them to good use and ensure they are properly maintained.

In his earlier remarks, the CMS thanked the CAS for always placing premium on the welfare of personnel. He noted that the traditional paper-based hospital records system has many limitations, which pose huge challenges to patients’ care. He said the application of technology to the healthcare sector has been found to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of medical service delivery.

He assured that, with the new EMR system, the patients’ medical records would be kept in a digital format thereby eliminating the paper-based method and thus improving accuracy and efficiency. He announced that, 063 NAFH has joined the league of ICT based hospitals where patients would be seen without the use of paper.

According to him, the EMR has been deployed to the Records Department, General Out Patient Department as well as Laboratory and Pharmacy Departments, where investigation request forms or drug prescription sheets would no longer be used.

Guests at the event had earlier been given an overview of the EMR System before being conducted on a tour of facilities at the Aviation Medicine Department by the Commander 063 NAFH, Wing Commander Olatunji Oguntuase.