AI in healthcare is not about replacing physicians but empowering them with the best possible tools to make better decisions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various industries worldwide, including healthcare. In Nigeria, AI is becoming a key player in reshaping healthcare systems. AI technologies involve the use of machines and algorithms to mimic human intelligence—such as reasoning, learning, and problem-solving—to make data-driven decisions in real time. This transformation is particularly critical in Nigeria, where healthcare challenges like inadequate medical infrastructure, limited access to quality care, and a shortage of trained healthcare professionals have long been persistent.

Key Areas Where AI is Transforming Healthcare in Nigeria

• AI in Diagnostics and Medical Imaging: One of the most critical applications of AI in Nigerian healthcare is in diagnostics and medical imaging. AI-driven tools are helping doctors detect diseases earlier and with greater accuracy. One great example of this is the Deep Learning Models for Tuberculosis Detection which Nigerian hospitals have started adopting AI-based tools for analysing chest X-rays to detect tuberculosis. These tools have shown promising results, even outperforming human radiologists in early detection. Some of these hospitals include Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abeokuta and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
• Telemedicine and Remote Consultations: Telemedicine has gained traction in Nigeria, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Helium Health, a Nigerian health tech startup, introduced an AI-powered telemedicine platform during the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate virtual consultations. Over 100 hospitals across Nigeria adopted the platform for remote consultations, reducing patient traffic in physical hospitals by 60%, especially during COVID-19.
• Predictive Analytics for Disease Outbreaks: AI-powered predictive analytics is being used to forecast disease outbreaks, which is essential in a country like Nigeria, where diseases such as malaria and cholera are still prevalent.  In partnership with AI4D, the Nigerian government began using AI tools to monitor malaria outbreaks. These tools analyse weather data, population movement, and hospital visit patterns to predict malaria surges. This system helped health officials take preemptive actions in high-risk areas, such as insecticide distribution and education campaigns, reducing malaria incidence by 15% in some states.
• AI in Health Data Management: mPharma, a healthcare company operating in Nigeria, introduced AI-based tools to manage health records and improve access to medication. Its EHR (Electronic Health Record) system stores patient data, helping doctors access accurate records instantly. mPharma’s system streamlined data management across more than 300 hospitals, reducing patient data errors and improving healthcare outcomes.

Benefits of AI in Nigerian Healthcare

• Increased Efficiency and Reduced Costs: AI can automate routine administrative tasks, reducing the workload on healthcare professionals. For example, AI-powered tools can manage patient appointment scheduling, billing, and data entry, freeing up time for doctors and nurses to focus on patient care
• Improved Access to Care: Through telemedicine and AI-driven remote diagnostic tools, more Nigerians, especially in underserved rural areas, can access quality healthcare. AI helps bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare services, ensuring that even those in distant regions receive timely and accurate medical care.
• Better Patient Outcomes: AI improves the accuracy of diagnoses and treatments, reducing human error and ensuring patients get the best possible care. With early detection of diseases, AI can save lives by allowing doctors to intervene before conditions worsen.
• Personalized Healthcare: AI allows healthcare to be personalized to individual patients’ needs. By analysing genetic information and patient history, AI can recommend treatments tailored to a patient’s specific health profile, leading to more effective and targeted therapies.

Conclusion

AI has the potential to transform healthcare in Nigeria by improving diagnostic accuracy, expanding access to care, and optimizing healthcare operations. Although challenges such as limited infrastructure, data privacy concerns, and a shortage of skilled professionals remain, the ongoing integration of AI into the healthcare system promises to address many of the country’s pressing health challenges.

With strategic investment and collaboration between public and private sectors, AI can help Nigeria leapfrog traditional healthcare barriers and offer better, more equitable healthcare to its population.