Nigerian medical practitioners are concerned about the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence for medical needs and prescriptions, warning it may put patients at risk.
While AI can improve efficiency, it lacks understanding of individual patient needs, medical history, allergies, and psychological factors.
Experts emphasize AI should supplement human judgment, not replace it, to ensure safe care.
They caution against self-diagnosis and online prescriptions, stressing the importance of consulting qualified professionals.
“The reason we want to do this is so that everyone is well aware of what to do. You can observe that even social media is being misused and abused. So, it’s important that there is a lot of information, and of course, disinformation, in the age we live in today,” Orji added.
Several experts interviewed by NAIJATRAFFIC cautioned that while AI technology holds potential benefits, the public must be aware of its limitations. They emphasized the point that AI may produce inaccurate or false information and should not be seen as a substitute for healthcare professionals.
Professor Tanimola Akande, an Epidemiologist and Public Health Professor at the University of Ilorin, advised against relying solely on AI for drug prescriptions. He highlighted that AI lacks the ability to consider all relevant factors, such as physical examination findings and test results, necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Despite the possibility of AI providing personalized treatment options, Akande stressed that it cannot replace the expertise of physicians in patient management. He recommended seeking care from trained medical professionals rather than relying solely on AI technology for treatment.
Acknowledging the potential benefits of AI in healthcare, Akande and other experts urged for caution in using AI as the primary means of treatment. They emphasized the need for public education on the limitations of AI in healthcare and the importance of consulting medical professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment.
He said, “We must be cautious that people don’t start relying on AI instead of healthcare workers, as some AI tools can hallucinate. An AI tool might generate a medication that doesn’t exist and describe the side effects of that nonexistent drug.
“To understand this, you need to be a content expert. If you use an AI tool, you must be knowledgeable enough to verify its output rather than blindly accept it.
“The Nigeria Medical and Dental Council will take decisive action against practitioners who make mistakes due to AI use. If a healthcare worker errs and tries to blame AI, they will face consequences from the Council.
“We go to medical school to learn how to identify and analyse patient problems, consider multiple solutions, and choose the best option. You cannot delegate this responsibility to AI. If something goes wrong, you will be held accountable.”
Otolorin, however, stated that many quacks were using AI now, just as there had always been those pretending to be healthcare professionals.
“They exist in all fields, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and pharmacists. Patients need to be cautious as well; some now treat Google as their doctor.
“If you rely on Google for medical advice, you must accept the consequences, especially in a country where you may buy any drug without a prescription,” he Emphasized.
