The International College of Surgeons (Nigeria) has urged its members and other healthcare professionals to embrace artificial intelligence to enhance surgical training and healthcare service delivery.

Speaking at the opening of the college’s 59th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Abuja, the president of ICS-NG, Bernard Jiburum, said AI had become an integral part of modern surgical practice and medical education globally.

Mr Jiburum said the technology was especially important for Nigeria, which continues to grapple with the migration of skilled health professionals. According to him, AI offers opportunities for continuous learning, improved access to training and better healthcare outcomes.

Mr Jiburum described the themes as timely and relevant, given Nigeria’s healthcare challenges and the growing role of technology in addressing them.

He noted that AI had applications across diagnosis, surgical procedures, training, and post-operative care, adding that its relevance had become more evident amid disease outbreaks such as COVID-19, Lassa fever, and Ebola.

“In all aspects of surgery, AI is improving training, access to training and evaluation. We are using it to train better and to improve healthcare delivery,” he said.

The ICS president also expressed concern over stress and burnout among surgeons and trainees, attributing the situation to manpower shortages, inadequate facilities and poor remuneration.

He urged the government to address the impact of economic reforms on the welfare of healthcare workers who remained in the country to provide services and train younger professionals.

Ityo-Aker Kenneth, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon and medical director, called for wider adoption of AI in the medical profession, stressing the need for ethical considerations and local adaptation. According to him, most AI systems currently used in Nigeria are developed abroad and may not adequately reflect local realities.

“We need to develop our own algorithms and feed local data into AI systems so they can provide solutions that address our peculiar needs,” he said.

Mr Kenneth added that AI could help healthcare professionals extend quality services to underserved and remote communities.

A former president of ICS-NG, Akanimo Essiet, called on the government to provide greater support for healthcare institutions and professional bodies.

Mr Essiet said improved healthcare funding would strengthen service delivery and professional development.

Similarly, the president-elect of ICS-NG, Grace Nwana, urged the government to provide psychosocial and institutional support for healthcare workers. She said healthcare professionals required adequate remuneration, modern equipment, research opportunities and a conducive working environment to perform optimally.

“When healthcare workers have the necessary infrastructure, equipment, educational opportunities and support systems, they are better positioned to deliver quality services,” Ms Nwana said.

(NAN)