By Usman Aliyu

Leading healthcare and technology experts have urged African countries to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly in the medical field.

The call was made during the latest edition of The Tech Grid Series, a virtual forum hosted by Akohamen Emmanuel Agenmonmen, Chief Executive Officer of SurfSpot Communications Ltd.

The experts emphasised that AI-driven tools—often referred to as “robo doctors”—should be deployed to complement, rather than replace, human healthcare providers.

The virtual event, with the theme, “The Rise of AI: Healthcare AI – Robo Doctors?”, attracted global participants who examined the clinical, ethical, and operational implications of AI in healthcare, particularly within Africa’s emerging health systems.

U.S.-based clinical pharmacist and AI advocate, Dr Ose Ikem, highlighted the potential of AI to bridge gaps in healthcare delivery.

According to her, AI technologies can enhance real-time clinical decision-making and leverage predictive analytics to improve patient outcomes.

“AI in medicine is not a threat, but a tool for enhancing patient care and outcomes,” she said.

Ikem urged healthcare professionals to embrace digital transformation and work alongside technologists.

On his part Dr Ehima Ewere, Chief Resident at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, stated that AI could improve surgical safety, patient monitoring, and resource efficiency in Nigerian hospitals.

“AI should augment clinical judgment, not override it,” he noted.

Meanwhile, U.S.-based mental health specialist, Dr Izehi Eromosele, highlighted AI’s role in early detection of mental illness, but warned that systems must be designed with empathy, equity, and cultural sensitivity.

“AI models must reflect human dignity, especially for vulnerable populations,” she said.

In his presentation, the host, Agenmonmen, a Harvard-trained strategist and AI advocate, called for ethical leadership, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and strategic readiness across African health systems.

“AI should be seen as a catalyst, not a replacement for accessible, high-quality care,” he said, adding that Africa must lead, not lag, in this new era.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event formed part of SurfSpot Communications’ Tech Grid Series, a knowledge-sharing platform focused on innovation at the intersection of technology, policy, and human development. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa