ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS IN NIGERIA: AN EXAMINATION OF THE LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK GOVERNING DATA PRIVACY, SECURITY AND INTEROPERABILITY

Abstract

The digital age has significantly transformed the healthcare sector across the globe, with the adoption of Electronic Health Records being one of the most impactful innovations1. Electronic Health Records (which will be abbreviated as EHR in this research) are digital systems designed to collect, store, manage, and transfer patient health information in a secure and organized manner2. They are widely recognized for their potential to enhance the quality of healthcare services by making patient data more accessible, reducing duplication of tests and procedures, promoting efficiency, and improving communication among healthcare providers. In developed countries, EHRs have become central to the delivery of modern, patient-centered healthcare3. In contrast, the implementation of such systems in developing countries like Nigeria is still in its early stages and faces multiple legal, technical, and administrative challenges.