Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), in collaboration with the American Business Council, successfully hosted its latest edition of the PSHAN Periscope health webinar series. Themed “The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Enhancing the Quality of Healthcare Delivery,” the insightful virtual event held on the 27th of September, 2024.
The webinar brought together leading experts to discuss the transformative potential of AI in the healthcare sector. The session, co-hosted by Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, MD/CEO, PSHAN, and Margaret Olele, CEO and Executive Secretary, American Business Council, was moderated by Dr. Nneka Mobisson, CEO and Co-Founder, mDoc. Dr. Mobisson’s expertise guided the panellists—a distinguished panel of health experts, including Dr. George Uduku, General Manager, GE Healthcare, West Africa, and Dr. Hammed Ninalowo (Founder/CEO, IRDOC Nigeria)—in exploring the pressing issues and innovations surrounding AI in healthcare.
In her opening remarks, Margaret Olele noted, “We are thrilled at this critical conversation on AI and how it enhances the quality of healthcare delivery. We’ll not only explore the current application of AI but also the potential that lie ahead, especially as we begin to address issues around the challenges and benefits for Nigerians.”
Commenting on the webinar, Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe said, “At PSHAN, we take great pride in co-hosting this webinar, reaffirming our commitment to driving innovation for the improvement of healthcare delivery in Nigeria. I encourage all stakeholders in healthcare, technology, and policy to continue exploring how AI can be integrated into healthcare to foster more efficient, equitable, and patient-centred care for all Nigerians.”
Key insights emerged from the conversation, particularly the recognition that AI-powered telemedical services are poised to become mainstream in the near future. As the panellists emphasised, the successful integration of AI in healthcare systems hinges on having a well-trained workforce equipped to operate these advanced technologies effectively.
Dr. George Uduku highlighted the many advantages AI brings to healthcare delivery. “AI has the potential to tackle significant healthcare challenges, such as overcoming geographical barriers, enabling quicker and more accurate diagnoses, particularly for underserved populations. It can also enhance our ability to manage outbreaks and collect vital healthcare data efficiently,” he remarked.
Dr. Hammed Ninalowo emphasised the long-term benefits of AI in diagnostics and healthcare management. “While the initial investment in AI technology can be substantial, it promises to reduce overall healthcare costs in the long run,” he noted. “By ensuring accurate diagnostics and alleviating the burdens on our current healthcare system, AI can lead to more efficient resource allocation and ultimately enhance patient care. In the end, the return on investment will far outweigh the initial expenses, paving the way for a more sustainable healthcare system.”
The panellists also addressed the important issue of patient confidence in AI-driven services. They acknowledged that for AI to be embraced fully, the healthcare sector must tackle the unspoken concerns patients may have about its reliability. This underscores the need for transparency and trust-building in the adoption of AI in healthcare.
The PSHAN Periscope health webinar series continues to serve as a vital platform for discussing critical issues in the healthcare sector, engaging stakeholders, and promoting collaborative efforts to enhance healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
This series further emphasises PSHAN’s commitment to exploring innovative solutions that can bridge the gaps in healthcare access and quality.
