| dc.description.abstract | In the complicated realm of modern information management, the preservation and conservation of digital records stand as paramount challenges. This research undertakes an in-depth exploration of the relationship between digital records preservation and broader records management practices within the MoH guided by a crafted set of objectives which include; To find out the types of digital records generated and managed by the Ministry of Health, To examine the digital records storage at MoH, To analyze the challenges of preserving digital records at the Ministry of Health, To examine the existing digital records preservation practices at the Ministry of Health, To assess the requirements for implementing a new digital records preservation policy at the Ministry of Health and finally To develop a digital records preservation policy at the Ministry of Health. Research methodology used for carrying out the research identify varieties of record types at the MoH, including administrative, legal, personnel, and financial documents stored electronically in systems like DMS, iHRIS, servers, and the cloud. Face-to-face interviews uncover challenges in digital record preservation, such as resource constraints, cultural shifts, context loss, and technological limitations causing inefficiencies. Current storage practices involve centralized repositories, meticulous categorization, metadata integration, strong access controls, backups, version control, encryption, and disaster recovery. Essential requirements for a MoH digital records preservation policy include legal compliance, role definition, preservation strategies, metadata standards, security, training, monitoring, resource allocation, stakeholder engagement,
and communication, as highlighted by respondents. In conclusion, this research highlights the need for a tailored digital records preservation policy at the Ministry of Health, revealing challenges and successful practices, offering a blueprint for
proactive solutions.The study unearths the significance of robust policies and procedures for efficient digital records
preservation. Customized training programs are crucial to instill a digital preservation culture, and resource allocation guarantees sustainability and adaptability to evolving tech. Regular training updates employees on preservation and cybersecurity. Collaboration between records management and IT bolsters secure systems, and version control ensures accuracy. Adapting to new technology means migrating electronic records for ongoing accessibility. These recommendations form a strategic framework for ministry-wide digital records preservation enhancement | en_US |
