Ex-Ogun NMA chair urges use of AI to improve healthcare
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Punch Newspaper
Reported by Taiwo Bankole
Sun, 1 Nov 2026, 07:40
Photo courtesy of Punch Newspaper · Verified via News Stand NG
Source Attribution: Punch Newspaper
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Ashimi made the call on Saturday in Abeokuta while delivering the keynote address at the grand finale of The Concept Academy Intercollegiate Medical Essay Competition 2026, where he spoke on the theme, “Improving Healthcare in Africa Through Artificial Intelligence and Telemedicine.” He said Africa, with a population of over 1.4 billion people, was grappling with an inadequate healthcare workforce, noting that the shortage of doctors and other medical professionals had continued to widen the gap between patients and access to quality healthcare. Former Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association in Ogun State, Dr Kunle Ashimi, has called for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence and telemedicine to address healthcare challenges in Africa, particularly the shortage of medical personnel and limited access to specialist services in rural communities.
Context & Background
✦Earlier, the President of The Concept Academy, Dr Festus Babarinde, said the medical essay competition was established to provide young medical students with an opportunity to examine Nigeria’s healthcare challenges and contribute ideas towards improving the sector.
Key Figures & Named Entities
Saturday:Ashimi made the call on Saturday in Abeokuta while delivering the keynote address at the grand finale of The Concept Academy Intercollegiate Medical Essay Competition 2026, where he spoke on the theme, “Improving Healthcare in Africa Through Artificial Intelligence and Telemedicine.” He said Africa, with a population of over 1.4 billion people, was grappling with an inadequate healthcare workforce, noting that the shortage of doctors and other medical professionals had continued to widen the gap between patients and access to quality healthcare.2026:Beneath that ambition lay a conviction that still guides us: talent deserves opportunity, and knowledge gains its greatest value when it improves others’ lives.” He disclosed that 1,556 applicants participated in the 2026 competition, describing the response as an indication of the growing interest among young medical students in contributing to healthcare development.today:From start to finish, and now we are here today, it’s a very wonderful experience, and I really appreciate Concept Academy for this initiative.”.
Outlook & Next Steps
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Key Takeaways
Verified Extract
✦Ashimi made the call on Saturday in Abeokuta while delivering the keynote address at the grand finale of The Concept Academy Intercollegiate Medical Essay Competition 2026, where he spoke on the theme, “Improving Healthcare in Africa Through Artificial Intelligence and Telemedicine.” He said Africa, with a population of over 1.4 billion people, was grappling with an inadequate healthcare workforce, noting that the shortage of doctors and other medical professionals had continued to widen the gap between patients and access to quality healthcare.
✦Former Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association in Ogun State, Dr Kunle Ashimi, has called for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence and telemedicine to address healthcare challenges in Africa, particularly the shortage of medical personnel and limited access to specialist services in rural communities.
✦Earlier, the President of The Concept Academy, Dr Festus Babarinde, said the medical essay competition was established to provide young medical students with an opportunity to examine Nigeria’s healthcare challenges and contribute ideas towards improving the sector.
Key Facts:Saturday: Ashimi made the call on Saturday in Abeokuta while delivering the keynote address at the grand finale of The Concept Academy Intercollegiate Medical Essay Competition 2026, where he spoke on the theme, “Improving Healthcare in Africa Through Artificial Intelligence and Telemedicine.” He said Africa, with a population of over 1.4 billion people, was grappling with an inadequate healthcare workforce, noting that the shortage of doctors and other medical professionals had continued to widen the gap between patients and access to quality healthcare.2026: Beneath that ambition lay a conviction that still guides us: talent deserves opportunity, and knowledge gains its greatest value when it improves others’ lives.” He disclosed that 1,556 applicants participated in the 2026 competition, describing the response as an indication of the growing interest among young medical students in contributing to healthcare development.today: From start to finish, and now we are here today, it’s a very wonderful experience, and I really appreciate Concept Academy for this initiative.”.
Editorial Excerpt
A former NMA chairman in Ogun State, Dr Kunle Ashimi, has called for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence and telemedicine to improve healthcare in Afri
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What is the latest development regarding Abeokuta?
Ashimi made the call on Saturday in Abeokuta while delivering the keynote address at the grand finale of The Concept Academy Intercollegiate Medical Essay Competition 2026, where he spoke on the theme, “Improving Healthcare in Africa Through Artificial Intelligence and Telemedicine.” He said Africa, with a population of over 1.4 billion people, was grappling with an inadequate healthcare workforce, noting that the shortage of doctors and other medical professionals had continued to widen the gap between patients and access to quality healthcare.
Who are the key organizations or public figures mentioned?
Former Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association in Ogun State, Dr Kunle Ashimi, has called for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence and telemedicine to address healthcare challenges in Africa, particularly the shortage of medical personnel and limited access to specialist services in rural communities.
What timeline or key figures were confirmed?
Ashimi made the call on Saturday in Abeokuta while delivering the keynote address at the grand finale of The Concept Academy Intercollegiate Medical Essay Competition 2026, where he spoke on the theme, “Improving Healthcare in Africa Through Artificial Intelligence and Telemedicine.” He said Africa, with a population of over 1.4 billion people, was grappling with an inadequate healthcare workforce, noting that the shortage of doctors and other medical professionals had continued to widen the gap between patients and access to quality healthcare.
