By Abigail Philip David
The increasing migration of Nigerian medical professionals, known as the “Japa syndrome,” is straining the country’s healthcare system, forcing experts to turn to Artificial Intelligence (AI) to fill critical gaps.
The exodus has brought the number of medical personnel below the United Nations (UN) standard, leaving existing professionals overstretched. In response, AI is being integrated into healthcare delivery, a shift experts believe could revolutionize the sector globally.
Countries like India and Turkey have demonstrated the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, from diagnostics to surgeries. However, the debate around AI’s adoption in Nigeria continues, with experts weighing its benefits against challenges such as infrastructure and cost.
The Role of AI in Healthcare
Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon Prof. Mike Ogirima lauded AI’s capabilities, particularly in diagnostics through machine learning and natural language processing. He noted that while AI enhances precision in surgeries, it cannot replace human expertise entirely.
“AI is a welcome development for those who are versatile, but it cannot substitute human judgment and skills,” Ogirima said, urging support for ongoing AI research to advance Nigerian medicine.
Similarly, Obstetrics and Gynaecology expert Prof. Oladapo Ladipo described AI as a game-changer, highlighting its use in robotic surgeries and epidemic management. He predicted advancements such as artificial wombs and genetic customisation, while dismissing fears that AI would exacerbate brain drain. Instead, he argued that AI could encourage Nigerian professionals to gain advanced knowledge abroad and return to improve local healthcare.
Bridging the Gap in Healthcare Access
Dr. Stanley Ukpai, Director of Projects at the Development Research and Project Centre (DRPC), emphasized telemedicine and digital hospitals as immediate solutions to address Nigeria’s doctor shortage, particularly in rural areas.
“Telemedicine allows urban-based doctors to consult remotely with patients in underserved areas, guiding on-site healthcare workers without physical presence,” Ukpai explained.
He pointed to India’s success with telemedicine and Turkey’s advancements in robotic surgeries as models for Nigeria to emulate. Robotic procedures, he noted, reduce human error and improve recovery outcomes, though their high cost remains a challenge.
Ukpai called for partnerships between the government, private sector, and insurance companies to overcome financial barriers and accelerate AI adoption.
Government Commitment to Digitalisation
The federal government is enhancing digital healthcare under a new agenda led by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate. Dr. Adebobola Bashorun, National Coordinator of the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme, said the government aims to integrate AI into healthcare delivery through computerised systems.
“AI offers predictive models, question-and-answer systems, and diagnostic tools to support healthcare professionals,” Bashorun said, emphasizing that AI complements rather than replaces human expertise.
However, he acknowledged infrastructure challenges, including internet connectivity and power supply, as major hurdles to AI implementation.
The Path Forward
Experts agree that AI’s success in Nigeria depends on strategic government action, private-sector collaboration, and investments in infrastructure. Despite the challenges, they see AI as an essential tool for addressing the country’s healthcare crisis and enhancing patient outcomes.
“Artificial intelligence is not a day’s work. It must be built into the existing system gradually,” Bashorun concluded, emphasizing the importance of integrating AI within the government’s digitalisation agenda to secure a brighter future for healthcare in Nigeria.
