The Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN) has called for the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), telemedicine and other digital-health technologies to improve access to and quality of healthcare across the country.
The association, however, stressed that the adoption of emerging technologies must be accompanied by strong safeguards for patient confidentiality, informed consent, human oversight, clinical accountability and algorithmic fairness.
IMAN made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its 27th National Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Ilorin, Kwara State, with the theme, “Compassion, Competence and Conscience: Integrating Islamic Values in Modern Medical Practice.”
The association also urged stakeholders to ensure equitable access to digital-health innovations, particularly for underserved and vulnerable communities, warning that technological advancement in healthcare must not create new forms of inequality.
According to National President, Prof. Ibrahim A. Oreagba, while artificial intelligence and telehealth present substantial opportunities for transforming healthcare delivery, human professional accountability, confidentiality, appropriate oversight, diagnostic reliability, fairness and preservation of the clinician-patient relationship must remain central to their deployment.
The association said the recommendations were among several resolutions reached after extensive deliberations by healthcare professionals, Islamic scholars and experts from related disciplines during the conference.
IMAN further called for stronger patient-safety mechanisms and clinical governance through adherence to established clinical protocols, reliable medical equipment and diagnostic systems, continuing professional development, multidisciplinary teamwork and a culture that regards the prevention of avoidable harm as both a professional responsibility and an Islamic obligation.
It also recommended the expansion and institutionalisation of the Ibaadah-Friendly Healthcare initiative to enable healthcare facilities to appropriately respond to patients’ spiritual needs while maintaining evidence-based clinical standards, patient safety and respect for religious diversity.
The association called for the progressive development of healthcare chaplaincy and faith-sensitive counselling services in Nigerian healthcare institutions, with clearly defined competencies, ethical standards, referral pathways and collaboration among healthcare professionals, trained chaplains, counsellors and qualified Islamic scholars.
On women’s health, IMAN recommended greater involvement of husbands, families, religious leaders and communities where appropriate, stressing the importance of shared responsibility, informed decision-making, early healthcare seeking and support for evidence-based preventive, reproductive and maternal healthcare.
The association also identified insecurity as both a health and societal challenge, calling for multidisciplinary and multisectoral action involving healthcare professionals, mental-health practitioners, Islamic scholars, peace and conflict experts, community leaders and relevant government agencies.
It further urged greater attention to geriatric healthcare, including age-friendly primary and specialist care, chronic disease management, rehabilitation, mental and cognitive healthcare, caregiver support, palliative care and spiritually sensitive services for older persons.
The conference, which attracted 1,200 delegates, 1,165 physical and 35 virtual, from all geopolitical zones of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, featured 86 scientific abstracts, keynote presentations, symposia and professional development programmes.
The keynote address was delivered by Senator (Dr) Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority, while the opening ceremony was chaired by Emeritus Professor Is-haq Oloyede, CON.
The conference’s scientific symposia examined healthcare chaplaincy and faith-based counselling, women’s health, insecurity in Nigeria and medico-Islamic solutions, as well as geriatric healthcare and the challenges facing the ageing population.
Ahead of the main conference, IMAN organised a medico-surgical and reproductive-health outreach in Kwara State, which benefited 1,811 people. The programme included medical and specialist consultations, laboratory investigations, surgeries, ophthalmic services, cataract surgery, cervical cancer screening and family-planning services.
Other activities included psychotrauma capacity building, youth and leadership training, addiction-prevention training, an Islamic cooperative and business summit, and the Ibaadah-Friendly Healthcare Workshop.
At the conclusion of the meeting, IMAN reaffirmed its commitment to translating the principles of compassion, competence and conscience into measurable improvements in healthcare practice, professional development, advocacy and community service across Nigeria.
The association expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, Kwara State Government, traditional rulers, healthcare institutions, universities, partner organisations, sponsors, delegates and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the conference.