The increasing migration of Nigerians to foreign countries, popularly referred to as “Japa syndrome,” is straining the country’s healthcare system, reducing medical manpower below the United Nations (UN) standard, and overstretching the remaining professionals,leadership reports.
In response, medical experts are turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI) to alleviate some of these challenges. AI, which is gaining traction globally, has the potential to transform healthcare delivery, as demonstrated by countries like India and Turkey. However, its adoption in Nigeria continues to spark debates among medical professionals about its benefits and limitations.
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The Role of AI in Healthcare
AI’s potential applications span diagnostics, surgeries, and treatment outcomes. Prof. Mike Ogirima, an Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon, highlighted AI’s significant role in diagnostics, particularly through machine learning and natural language processing. He emphasized that while AI enhances precision in musculoskeletal surgeries, it cannot fully replace human judgment and expertise.
Similarly, Prof. Oladapo Ladipo, an Obstetrics and Gynaecology expert, described AI as a groundbreaking innovation that has “come to stay.” He noted that AI could operate in high-risk environments, from robotic surgeries to epidemic management, and even pave the way for futuristic possibilities like artificial wombs and genetic customisation.
Despite concerns about AI replacing human roles, Prof. Ladipo argued that it would inspire Nigerian professionals to seek advanced knowledge abroad and eventually return to share their expertise, thereby enriching the local healthcare system.
Bridging Gaps in Healthcare Access
Dr. Stanley Ukpai, director of projects at the Development Research and Project Centre (DRPC), proposed practical digital solutions, such as telemedicine and digital hospitals, to address the chronic shortage of doctors in rural areas. Telemedicine, he explained, allows urban-based doctors to remotely consult and guide healthcare workers in underserved regions.
He cited India’s success with telemedicine and Turkey’s advancements in robotic surgeries as models Nigeria could emulate. “Robotics and AI can reduce human error by almost 99%, leading to faster recovery times and fewer complications,” Ukpai noted.
However, he acknowledged the financial challenges of acquiring and maintaining robotic systems, calling for partnerships between the government, private sector, and insurance companies to make these technologies accessible.
Government Initiatives and Challenges
Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, director and national coordinator of the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, highlighted the government’s efforts to digitalize healthcare as part of its broader health agenda. Spearheaded by Coordinating Minister of Health Prof. Ali Pate, the initiative aims to integrate AI into healthcare systems to enhance service delivery.
Dr. Bashorun described AI as a game-changer, offering tools like predictive models, electronic medical records, and question-answer systems to assist healthcare professionals. However, he stressed that AI complements human expertise rather than replacing it, ensuring that the final diagnostic and treatment decisions remain with healthcare providers.
Barriers to AI Adoption
Despite its promise, integrating AI into Nigeria’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, unreliable internet connectivity, and inconsistent power supply. Dr. Bashorun emphasized the need for investments in robust systems, power stability, and enhanced internet services.
He also underscored the importance of a gradual, systematic approach to AI integration. “Artificial intelligence is not a day’s work. It must be built into the existing system and gradually expanded,” he said.
A Promising Future
The future of AI in Nigeria’s healthcare sector is bright but requires strategic planning and collaboration between the government, private sector, and healthcare professionals. With proper funding, infrastructure development, and legislative support, AI could revolutionize healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and help bridge gaps in access to quality medical care.
Dr. Bashorun summed it up succinctly: “Artificial intelligence is part of the system and futuristic thinking. The digitalization of the health agenda is a solid foundation, and the possibilities for AI in Nigerian healthcare are immense.”
