As artificial intelligence, AI, continues to transform healthcare systems globally, questions are emerging about the viability of digital healthcare platforms in Nigeria, particularly those that allow patients to consult doctors online rather than in person.
In developed nations like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and Australia, virtual healthcare is already a reality.
Patients book appointments, consult doctors via video calls, share medical records digitally, and receive electronic prescriptions, all from the comfort of their homes.
In Nigeria, the conversation is gaining momentum.
Speaking on the sidelines of a student debate on the subject, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Rivers State chapter, Dr. Diamond Tamunokuro, said the idea of digital healthcare is not only possible but is already taking shape in parts of the country.
Dr. Tamunokuro, in an interview with Yarn Naija, revealed that Nigeria recently recorded its first robotic surgery in Abuja in 2025, a sign that the future of digital health is already unfolding.
He explained that the debate, which featured secondary school students from across Rivers State, was organized to get the perspectives of young Nigerians, the future stakeholders in the healthcare system, on whether digital healthcare platforms should eventually replace in-person hospital visits.
Tamunokuro said, “AI is now playing a very prominent role in healthcare all over the world, from diagnostics to therapeutics, to surgical care, to preventive care, and all aspects of healthcare.
And in Rivers State, we are beginning to see the influence of AI on healthcare.
There are now digital platforms where you can consult specialist doctors without having to see them physically.
We decided that we should ask the future doctors, the future adult citizens of this country, the students, what they think about the influence of AI on healthcare.
So, this is to hear from them whether they still prefer the traditional method of going to see the doctor who will see you physically, examine you, and write prescriptions for you and perform procedures for you.
Or they will want to see a robot that would hear from you and then decide your issues and perhaps operate on you from a distance far away from where you are.
And it is interesting hearing the students talk about what they think and how some strongly feel that the digital platforms are better than the traditional platforms, and others think what we have right now, if properly structured and properly maintained, gives better outcomes compared to digital platforms.
And I think going forward, this is an ongoing debate. We will keep talking about it, we will keep hearing from stakeholders to know whether we should replace our traditional platforms or perhaps augment them with the digital health platforms.”
He acknowledged that AI cannot be ignored as its influence on healthcare continues to grow.
According to the NMA Chairman, digital healthcare is poised to complement in-person hospital visits.
He emphasized that it would improve efficiency, increase patient safety, help doctors attend to more patients in less time, and reduce overcrowding in health facilities.
Tamunokuro added, “It is a reality in this area, but with the problems of not having the physical examination with the doctor, and sometimes missing out on key issues that will influence your diagnosis and your treatment, there are concerns raised by people, and these are issues that came up in the discussion, and I am sure the discussion will still be on.”
At the debate, students expressed mixed reactions to the motion: “Digital Health Platforms Should Replace In-Person Hospital Visits in Nigeria’s Future Healthcare System.”
While some students firmly opposed the idea, calling for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure instead, others embraced it.
Supporters of digital healthcare platforms argued that such platforms could reduce Nigeria’s annual health budget.
They also pointed to the shortage of medical personnel, security concerns, and long wait times at hospitals as reasons to consider virtual healthcare solutions.
Opponents, however, raised concerns about the accuracy of diagnoses without physical consultations.
Nigeria debates future of digital healthcare amid global shift
