Health Stakeholders Assess AI’s Potential and Pitfalls

Healthcare professionals convened in Lagos on Thursday to deliberate on the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, exploring its potential benefits and risks.

The workshop, themed “Evaluating the Impact of AI on Health,” was organised by the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS).

Prof. Musbau Akanji, NAS Secretary, Biological Sciences, said in his opening remarks that the transformative potential of AI in healthcare had increased access to health services.

Akanji emphasised the need for accuracy, efficiency and enhanced patient care for rural dwellers.

“The advancement of AI is shaping innovations across the world, and the health sector is no exception.

“Although AI applications are still early in stages in Nigeria, AI offers huge prospects for bringing about improved healthcare outcomes and should be explored,” he said

However, he further highlighted potential challenges and ethical considerations associated with AI adoption in healthcare, including job displacement, data privacy concerns, bias in AI algorithms, and regulatory challenges.

He stressed the importance of addressing these challenges and ensuring responsible AI development and deployment.

“There is a need to emphasise the need for regulatory and legal guidelines, including data protection laws, liability frameworks, and certification of AI technologies,” he said.

Dr. Oladoyin Odunbanjo, NAS Executive Secretary, highlighted the objectives of the workshop aimed at promoting evidence-based policy and practice in AI and health.

He also noted the importance of fostering solidarity and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure AI benefits society as a whole.

“This workshop is to help us gather the perspective of various stakeholders on the key issues regarding the impact of AI on healthcare-related sustainable development goals in Nigeria.

“This workshop is also to help explore the benefits and side effects of AI applications in health, including ethical, regulatory, and legal issues.

“Lastly, this workshop will help proffer recommendations for maximising AI towards healthcare outcomes in Nigeria,” he said.

He added that the event followed recent developments in AI research and deployment in Nigeria, with the Nigerian Academy of Science playing a key role in promoting scientific excellence and policy relevance in the country.

“As AI continues to shape the healthcare landscape, stakeholders are urged to engage in ongoing discussions and collaborations to harness its potential and mitigate potential risks,” he said.