The Imperative of AI in Nigeria’s Next Healthcare Revolution

Nigeria’s healthcare faces crucial decisions regarding the AI diagnostics revolution that is transforming global health systems. With proper infrastructure, investment, and training, Nigeria can leverage AI to enhance medical diagnostics, reduce costs, and provide broader access to healthcare. Entrepreneurs are invited to innovate and create businesses that meet local health needs, presenting a major opportunity for economic growth. Immediate action is necessary to avoid being left behind.

The global healthcare AI market is experiencing explosive growth, projected to reach $102.7 billion by 2028, with a significant impact expected in medical diagnostics. Nigeria faces a critical choice between continuing to import costly diagnostic services or developing its own AI-powered systems tailored to local needs. Historically, Nigeria’s healthcare system evolved from herbal remedies to a more structured model influenced by colonial practices, leading to the establishment of diagnostic laboratories across urban and rural areas. However, there is much work to be done to meet international standards.

As we approach 2025, reliance solely on human interpretation in diagnostics will fall short, as AI technology becomes standard in leading healthcare systems worldwide. Tools utilized in imaging, predictive diagnostics, and histopathology are already showcasing AI’s capabilities in diagnosing conditions more efficiently than human specialists. Furthermore, developments in point-of-care diagnostics could revolutionize healthcare access in Nigeria’s remote areas.

A future with fully automated labs and AI assistance in healthcare is imminent. AI will integrate into daily medical practices, personalizing treatments and streamlining tests through mobile applications, thereby enhancing patient care and access. As industries recognize AI’s potential economic impact, Nigeria must strategically engage with this technology to avoid being left behind, risking further health disparities.

Regrettably, Nigeria’s current healthcare infrastructure remains inadequate, suffering from inconsistent power supply and insufficient training for medical professionals in AI utilization. However, these challenges present a unique opportunity to leapfrog outdated systems and adopt AI-driven diagnostics swiftly. To harness AI’s potential effectively, Nigeria must prioritize investment in healthcare infrastructure, enhance education in AI technologies, and establish robust data protection policies.

Additionally, entrepreneurial opportunities abound in the intersection of AI and healthcare diagnostics. Aspiring entrepreneurs can launch AI diagnostic startups, develop health-tech devices tailored to Nigeria, and establish training academies to empower the workforce in AI literacy. The potential for attracting investment into Nigeria’s health-tech sector is substantial, paves the way not only for health improvements but also economic growth.

AI’s integration into various fields, including healthcare, is no longer optional; it is essential. For Nigerian healthcare systems, embracing AI in diagnostics is critical for reducing errors, decreasing wait times, and enhancing accessibility to healthcare solutions. Concurrently, this offers entrepreneurs a path to prosperity while addressing pressing health needs. The time for Nigeria to act on this transformative opportunity is now, lest it face dire consequences both financially and in terms of public health.

In conclusion, Nigeria stands at a crossroads in the healthcare sector regarding the adoption of AI in diagnostics. Embracing this technology is not only vital for improving healthcare delivery but also for fostering economic growth through new business opportunities. The government and private sector must collaborate urgently to enhance infrastructure, train healthcare professionals, and ensure data protection as foundational steps in leveraging AI for better health outcomes. Failure to act may continue the cycle of dependency on imports, exacerbating existing health disparities.

Original Source: businessday.ng