The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, led staff of the Commission on a working visit to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.
During the visit, Dr Olatunji gave a brief insight into the establishment of the NDPC and emphasised the importance of data protection and privacy in the health sector. He reiterated the need for health workers and policymakers to develop measures that ensure the safety of sensitive personal data collected within the sector. He also emphasised the consequences of data breaches in the sector, which include reputational damage, damage or loss of body parts, misdiagnosis, and even death in extreme cases. Dr Olatunji sought the cooperation of the Honourable Minister in ensuring compliance to the Nigeria Data Protection Act in the health sector.
In his response, Dr Pate acknowledged the unique nature of the health sector and expressed his appreciation to Dr Olatunji for enlightening him on data protection and privacy. He stated that he was impressed with the work of the Commission thus far and assured that the Ministry would work with the Commission to enhance data protection in the health sector. He pledged to ensure that the 107 entities under his ministry would comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023. He also noted the need to introduce data protection to the National Council on Health to depeen data protection at the state level.
Dr Olatunji proposed free training on data protection and privacy to health sector personnel. 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.
