The Rivers State Ministry of Health has commissioned a new Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system at the Obio Cottage Hospital, Rumuobiakani, marking a significant milestone in the digitization of healthcare delivery in the state.
Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Vincent Wachuku, who led the commissioning, praised Renaissance Africa Energy Company for funding the upgrade, which transitions the hospital from manual, paper-based documentation to a fully digital patient information management system.
Dr. Wachuku described the EMR system as a major leap towards accurate, efficient, and secure medical record keeping. He also commended the company for transforming the facility from a healthcare centre into a functional cottage hospital, urging further development into a modern, fully equipped medical institution.
He charged hospital staff to embrace the digital innovation and deliver faster, more effective, and patient-centered healthcare services. According to him, the EMR system will enhance timely responses to patient needs and streamline service delivery across departments.
“The Rivers State Government is committed to partnerships that promote improved healthcare delivery, particularly for the most vulnerable residents. We will continue to collaborate with Renaissance Africa Energy Company and other stakeholders to strengthen the sector,” Dr. Wachuku assured.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Igo Weli, General Manager of Relations and Sustainable Development at Renaissance, said the rising demand for health services underscores the urgency of adopting innovative tools to improve patient management.
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“Today’s event marks a transformative step towards quality healthcare delivery. Traditional paper-based systems often led to lost records, delayed decisions, and extended waiting times. The EMR system addresses all of that while also promoting environmental sustainability.”
He highlighted that the introduction of EMR not only streamlines record retrieval and strengthens data security, but also significantly reduces the hospital’s carbon footprint by eliminating paper use and freeing up to 50% of storage space previously occupied by paper folders.
According to him, the system will enhance coordination among healthcare providers and facilitate evidence-based clinical decisions, ultimately improving health outcomes for the people of Rivers State.
