Hospitals and Chatbots: How AI is rewriting medical consultation in Nigeria
In Nigeria, patients are increasingly using AI chatbots like ChatGPT for initial medical consultations due to the country's strained healthcare system. A 2026 Google-Ipsos survey found 88% of Nigerian adults have used AI chatbots, higher than the global average of 62%.
Nigeria's strained healthcare system is driving patients to use AI chatbots for initial medical consultations. A 26-year-old first-time mum, Victoria, used ChatGPT to address concerns about her newborn's health, such as green stool and crying. She found the chatbot helpful, receiving instant responses that guided her on what to do. A 2026 Google-Ipsos survey found 88% of Nigerian adults have used AI chatbots, outpacing the global average. The use of AI chatbots offers immediate answers without queues or consultation fees, but raises concerns about verification. In a healthcare system with long waiting times and high costs, AI chatbots are becoming a primary point of contact for many Nigerians.
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