The Nigerian healthcare sector stands to benefit immensely from the burgeoning global AI market, projected to reach $102.7 billion by 2028. The transition to AI-driven diagnostic tools is imperative for improving healthcare delivery. While challenges exist, including inadequate infrastructure and training, Nigeria has a unique opportunity to leapfrog into advanced diagnostics that can enhance healthcare outcomes and drive economic growth.
The global healthcare AI market is predicted to reach $102.7 billion by 2028, with a significant portion coming from medical diagnostics. Nigeria must ask itself whether it intends to remain reliant on imported diagnostic services or to develop its own AI-driven systems. The healthcare landscape in Nigeria began with traditional remedies and has evolved through colonial influences into a system with diagnostic labs, yet significant gaps remain in global best practices.
By 2025, relying on human interpretation for diagnostics will be inadequate, as AI is already revolutionizing healthcare practices worldwide. In advanced nations, AI tools like Google’s DeepMind and PathAI are outperforming human radiologists in imaging, while predictive diagnostics are enabling early disease detection. Additionally, AI tools in histopathology are enhancing the accuracy of tissue analysis, and point-of-care diagnostics offer unprecedented potential for immediate testing in remote locations.
Nigeria stands at a crucial juncture: its healthcare infrastructure is currently unprepared to embrace the AI evolution due to erratic power supply, limited internet access, and outdated equipment. Furthermore, a lack of training hinders medical professionals from utilizing AI tools effectively. However, this challenge presents an opportunity for Nigeria to leapfrog existing limitations by advancing into AI-powered diagnostics.
Successful adoption of AI in medical diagnostics requires urgent actions, including significant investments by the government and private sector into healthcare infrastructure and education. Professionals must receive training to work with AI, with education curricula updated to reflect the importance of AI literacy. Data protection laws and ethical guidelines must also be established to ensure responsible AI utilization in healthcare.
In conclusion, Nigeria has a pivotal opportunity to transform its healthcare landscape through AI-driven diagnostics. As the global AI market expands, it is vital for Nigeria to invest in infrastructure, education, and legislation to harness this technology effectively. Embracing AI is not merely a choice; it is a necessity that could save lives and create economic opportunities within the healthcare sector.
Original Source: businessday.ng
