To improve service efficiency and policy implementation through data-driven approaches, the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) has commenced a three-day ICT capacity-building training for its staff.
Organized in partnership with Kosu Consult, the training targets the development of digital skills necessary for data management, cybersecurity, and analysis to enhance the agency’s healthcare operations.
Speaking at the opening session, Dr. Kwande Dawal, Director of Operations and ICT at PLASCHEMA, highlighted the significance of the training. “Specifically, we’re focusing on building staff capacity in ICT operations. Since the agency’s inception, we’ve been implementing social health insurance in Plateau State and have accumulated a large volume of data,” he said.
Dr. Dawal further emphasized the importance of safeguarding personal health information, noting that the training also aligns with Nigeria’s data protection policy. “The data we collect is critical and personal, so proper handling is essential. Beyond just securing the data, we also want our staff to be proficient in analyzing it,” he stated.
He pointed out that policy decisions can no longer be made without proper data analysis. “With the amount of data we’ve gathered, the time has come to analyze it effectively and use it to inform our decision-making,” Dawal added. “That’s why this training is happening—to make our workforce ICT-compliant and improve their skills in data collation, analysis, management, security, and ultimately, data-driven policy implementation.”
It was disclosed that, about 40 participants from different departments within the agency, particularly those involved in data and ICT-related functions, are attending the training.
By the end of the program, participants are expected to demonstrate improved competence in ethical data collection, secure storage, data retrieval, and evidence-based decision-making for better program outcomes.
Kosu Consult CEO, Mr. Sunday Stephen, described the training as timely, given the growing integration of digital technologies in the healthcare sector. “You would agree that healthcare has gone digital. We’re now seeing the integration of technologies like artificial intelligence, and it’s time our civil servants start leveraging these emerging tools for better service delivery,” he said.
He disclosed that the training covers various topics such as AI in healthcare, the use of Microsoft 365 for operational collaboration, and cybersecurity essentials, all delivered by experts with global industry experience.
Stephen further revealed that the sessions will be facilitated by professionals with backgrounds working with leading international firms, including Microsoft, to ensure high-impact learning outcomes.
PLASCHEMA was established by the Plateau State Government to manage health insurance and drive the state’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) without financial burden on citizens.
The training reflects the agency’s commitment to equipping its staff with relevant digital tools to strengthen healthcare systems and ensure that residents of Plateau State receive quality healthcare services backed by reliable data and innovative practices.
