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How to achieve efficient healthcare delivery with AI – Expert

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan A Consultant Neurologist at University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Dr Temitope Farombi, has stressed the need for physicians to be trained on proper ways of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to achieve efficient healthcare delivery.Farombi stated this at the 2025 Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State Physicians’ Week Scientific Conference in Ibadan on Tuesday.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Farombi, who is also the Medical Director of Brain Health Initiatives and O’health Company, spoke on the topic: ‘Artificial Intelligence, Ethics and The Physicians’ Roles in Modern Healthcare’.According to her, AI applications in healthcare must navigate medical device regulations, patient privacy requirements and professional licensing standards.She emphasised that the growing use of AI in diagnostics and treatment planning required careful attention to safety and efficacy standards.Farombi noted the recent incursion of AI into health care delivery recently, giving rise to new innovations that promised to improve patients’ health outcomes and work flow efficiencies.She said that from diagnostics to treatment and home care, AI had shown potential to support health care professionals and patients at every stage of the care continuum.The medical expert further stated that AI could help manage and optimise the utilisation of equipment, beds and staff members by providing predictive insights.She, however, assured that despite the technological advancement, the role of physicians could not be overruled.“AI can analyse data but not emotions; patients trust doctors, not machines; compassion, listening and ethical judgment remain irreplaceable.“Ethical issues, such as fairness, privacy accountability must be carefully managed.“Physicians play vital roles in ensuring that AI is used responsibly, combining technology with human judgment, compassion and professional ethics to deliver safe and equitable care.“We should ensure that AI tools are well-tested to ensure they don’t harm patients through errors or wrong advice. AI systems should be available and fair to all patients, not only those in wealthy or urban areas,” she said.The physician stressed the need for doctors to always ensure that data used for AI were kept safe and confidential. To her, patients have the right to understand how AI affects their diagnoses or treatments.“Doctors need proper training to use AI tools correctly and avoid misuse or misinterpretation,” Farombi said. (NAN)