In order to facilitate health sector development through improved data quality, health facilities in Ondo State will soon begin the use of mobile application for data collection and quality assessment.

The Executive Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu disclosed this during the Nigeria State Health Investment Project (NSHIP) State level Training of Trainees(TOT) on District Health Information Software to mobile application for quality assessment and verification in the state held in Igbara Oke, Ifedore Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, the application will improve data analysis quality and reporting for evidence based policy decision.

Describing the paper base method of data collection as cumbersome, he noted that the electronic data system is better, more accurate and sensitive saying “it makes result faster, simultaneous analysis, timely, more responsive and the health system becomes better with it.”

Addressing the participants, Project Coordinator, NSHIP, Dr. Paulinus Omode explained that the training aims at changing the mode of assessment and monitoring in the health facilities.

While stressing the need for TOT to be facilitated to the lower level, he stated that some of the participants are expected to step it down while others should continue to update themselves with the knowledge gathered.

Speaking extensively with The Hope, Omode described the mobile application as an important tool which will help in increasing data quality and also ensure real time data submission and reporting.

According to him, it encourages field check and real time monitoring of data among others.

Describing data as an important tool for planning, he stated that development of the health sector involves the use of accurate data in planning and making informed and evidence based decision.

He explained that NSHIP trains in order to build the capacity of the state health workers in terms of skills to use.

Putting participants through the exercise, M&E officer, NSHIP, Mr. Bamgboye Similoluwa noted that the training aims at improving access to national and Performance Based Financing (PBF) portal management of District Health Information System 2 adding that it also helps in moving from paper work of checklist to mobile application.