Nigeria’s Health Minister, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has pledged to collaborate with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to improve and safeguard health sector data, in line with the 2023 Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).
The statement issued on Thursday noted that Prof. Pate made this declaration during a working visit led by the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji.
While appreciating and expressing satisfaction with the work of the Commission, he shared the significance of introducing data protection to the National Council on Health to deepen data protection at the state level.
The statement noted, “He pledged to ensure that the 107 entities under his ministry would comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.”
At the meeting, Dr. Olatunji also explained the need for data protection and privacy in the health sector; he recounted the history of the organization.
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“He reiterated the need for health workers and policymakers to develop measures that ensure the safety of sensitive personal data collected within the sector.”
While calling for the support of Prof. Pate towards enforcing the NDPA, the CEO of NDPC warned that data breaches in the health sector can cause reputational harm, loss of body parts, misdiagnosis, and even death.
He also offered free data protection training for health workers.
“Dr. Pate warmly accepted the proposed training and also invited the Commission to speak at the next meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors to further educate them on the importance of data protection and privacy,” the statement added.
