Experts demand urgent action on Nigeria’s health system

…highlight AI’s potential in fertility care

Medical experts have urged the government to urgently address the country’s worsening healthcare system, even as they highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in fertility and reproductive medicine.

They made the call at the 2nd annual Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Memorial Lecture held on Wednesday at the Ayinke House, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

Guest lecturer and consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. Lateef Akinola, condemned years of mismanagement of national resources, describing it as unacceptable that Nigeria still struggles to provide quality healthcare despite its financial capacity.

He said the welfare of medical practitioners has long been neglected, reflected in the ongoing resident doctors’ strike now in its second week. 

According to him, many teaching and tertiary hospitals have become inactive, with only a few staff and consultants working to sustain services.

Dr. Akinola decried the effect on patients, noting that Ayinke House—once a vibrant centre—now sees fewer patients. 

He warned that many Nigerians cannot afford private healthcare, putting them at risk of deteriorating health outcomes.

He urged the government to prioritise investments across all tiers of healthcare, especially the development and retention of medical personnel. Improved remuneration, housing, and working conditions, he said, would help curb the mass exodus of professionals.

Akinola noted that Nigeria allocates about five per cent of its GDP to health, far below the 15 per cent recommendation. Closing this gap, he stressed, is crucial for building a healthier and more productive nation.

Although the lecture centred on AI in fertility treatment, he explained that AI’s influence extends well beyond medicine into areas such as e-commerce, social media, and education. 

He described AI as a global force driving greater precision, automation, and efficiency in healthcare delivery.

Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Ayinke House, Dr. (Mrs.) T.O. Otun, used the event to honour Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony, the philanthropist who donated the original Ayinke House building to the former General Hospital, Ikeja.

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She recounted how the hospital once operated with limited space just two theatres and a small chalet for maternal care despite its status as a major referral centre. 

The donation, she said, provided a world-class facility at a critical time.

She noted that after extensive renovations between 2010 and 2019, Ayinke House expanded from 70 beds to 170 and now boasts ICUs, human support units, upgraded laboratories, ultrasound units, and a large pool of consultants.

A representative of the Bank-Anthony family, Funmi Bank-Anthony, described the lecture as insightful and reaffirmed the family’s commitment to preserving Sir Mobolaji’s legacy. 

She added that the estate plans to play a greater role in improving Ayinke House, given the philanthropist’s deep passion for maternal health.

Speaking on behalf of LASUTH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, Professor Adekoya said the lecture was organised not only to honour Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony but also to encourage others to make meaningful contributions to the health sector.

He emphasised that celebrating such legacies should inspire more individuals and organisations to support healthcare development nationwide.