Public health doctors have expressed concern about Nigerians’ increasing dependence on artificial intelligence for their medical requirements and prescription drug orders, and they have cautioned that this practice may put patients at grave risk for health problems.

The physician issued a warning, noting that although AI could improve productivity and offer insightful information about patient care, it does not have the same grasp of each patient’s unique needs as a human physician.

The doctors underlined that a number of characteristics, including personality quirks, allergies, and medical history, could have a significant impact on how well a medication works. They claimed that AI might overlook these important aspects, and that the possibility of algorithmic bias in the technology raises questions about equitable care.

They emphasised the need of human judgement in guaranteeing safe and efficient patient care, pointing out that AI should be used as an additional tool rather than a replacement.

Remember how public health professionals, working through the Health Promotion and Education Alumni Association at Ibadan College of Medicine, had warned Nigerians not to rely on artificial intelligence (AI) for medical advice and self-diagnosis, citing potential risks to human health.

The professionals decried the increasing incidence of people consulting the Internet instead of qualified medical practitioners for healthcare needs, warning that medications prescribed by AI or sourced online might not take into consideration the medical history of patients, and therefore, could cause more harm than good.

 The President of the Association, Dr. Bright Orji, who spoke at the opening of a two-day Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the HPEAAICM, themed ‘Artificial Intelligence and Innovations in Public Health,’ in Ibadan, said Al had come to stay, hence there was a need for moderation in its usage, particularly for public health consumers and practitioners alike.

This is what we want to do, so everyone knows exactly what to do. Even social media is being abused and mistreated, as you can see. Thus, in the day and age we live in, it’s critical that there be an abundance of information—and, of course, misinformation—Orji continued.

Although AI may offer various potential that may be utilised, several experts who spoke with PUNCH Healthwise advised consumers and practitioners in the field of public health to be mindful that Al could experience hallucinations and produce things that are not real.

They cautioned that Al should not be viewed as an all-knowing entity and that it cannot take the role of professionals.

Tanimola Akande, an epidemiologist and professor of public health at the University of Ilorin in Kwara State, stated that it is not a good idea to rely solely on AI to prescribe medications.

He pointed out that in addition to the symptoms people describe, a physical examination could disclose additional indicators that AI could record.

“Reliance on AI for drug prescription is not advisable,” stated Akande. AI is unable to provide some medical symptoms that patients may report that are discovered by physicians after a physical examination of the patient.

Furthermore, AI won’t be able to ascertain the outcomes of examinations or other research that went into making a diagnosis. When deciding how to treat a patient, doctors also take into account a wide range of additional environmental circumstances. AI is not capable of doing this in an efficient way.

The previous national chairman of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria, Akande, commented, “Certainly, AI cannot take the place of physicians in the management of patients,” when asked about the prospect of AI providing personalised care and prescriptions.

He did point out that AI might be able to provide information that could be somewhat helpful in the management of patients, but he still advised individuals to seek medical attention in staffed institutions when they are ill.

According to Akande, who oversaw the University of Ilorin’s Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, “Reliance on AI by individuals for treatment of ailments is inappropriate and may be risky when fully relied upon.”

Akande emphasised that it is crucial to discourage patients from utilising artificial intelligence (AI) for treatment, and that seeking medical advice from a physician is the best course of action to avoid problems and regrets.

“A lot more health education is needed to let people about the limitations of utilising AI in patient management, which will help prevent the practice of patients using AI for therapy.

AI is becoming more and more relevant in modern medicine, yet it’s still crucial to see a doctor. People should seek treatment in staffed medical institutions when they are ill, he continued.

Prof. Emmanuel Otolorin, the President of the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association Worldwide, backed up this claim by saying that although AI presents many opportunities, practitioners and consumers of public health care must be aware that AI has the potential to generate false information and cause hallucinations.

He warned that because some AI technologies can cause hallucinations, people shouldn’t start depending on them in place of medical professionals. An artificial intelligence program might create a drug that doesn’t exist and explain its side effects.

You must be an expert in the subject matter to comprehend this. If you employ an AI tool, you have to know enough to double-check its results instead of taking it at face value.

The Nigeria Medical and Dental Council would firmly prosecute practitioners who err as a result of using artificial intelligence. Healthcare personnel who make mistakes and attempt to place the blame on AI will be held accountable by the Council.

Attending medical school teaches us how to recognise and evaluate patient issues, weigh our options, and select the best course of action. AI cannot take up this duty on your behalf. In the event of an issue, you will be responsible.

But Otolorin pointed out that just as there have always been people posing as medical experts, there are now a lot of quacks employing AI.

They work as physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, chemists, and other professionals in every industry. Additionally, patients must exercise caution because some now view Google as their physician.

He continued, “You must accept the consequences if you rely on Google for medical advice, especially in a country where you can buy any drug without a prescription.”