Dr. Paulina Denteh, Director of HCOWAA Women’s Health, has championed the use of AI-powered chatbots in transforming patient care across the region at the recent AI Applications – West African Hospital Needs Exchange Conference, hosted by the Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) Association at its headquarters in Accra.
Speaking with urgency and clarity, Dr. Denteh highlighted everyday challenges that patients and healthcare workers face—from long wait times and language barriers to a lack of clear medical guidance. “Our healthcare workers are overwhelmed, trying to serve too many people with too few resources,” she said.
“Patients leave confused about their medications and treatment plans. This is where artificial intelligence can make a powerful difference”, she added.
Dr. Denteh proposed the use of AI-powered chatbots as a scalable, culturally adaptable solution. These virtual assistants, she explained, can offer 24/7 support, explain complex medical terms in simple language, and communicate fluently in local dialects like Twi, Yoruba, and Hausa. For patients afraid to ask doctors questions or those seeking quick clarification at any hour, chatbots provide a non-intimidating, always-available alternative.
“Whether it’s 2 AM or during a lunch break, patients get help when they need it most,” she emphasized. More than just answering questions, these tools build confidence, reduce anxiety, and foster better treatment compliance—all without replacing the essential human touch of healthcare professionals.
She also addressed the challenges: limited smartphone access, the need for AI systems to reflect local contexts, healthcare worker training, and the paramount importance of data security. “AI must serve everyone—not just the tech-savvy or urban,” she said, calling for inclusive, trustworthy systems.
Dr. Denteh’s speech echoed the broader theme of the seminar,“Strengthening Hospital Support and Regional Medical Supply Systems” by emphasizing patient empowerment as a core pillar of healthcare transformation. She argued that by equipping patients with knowledge and timely support, hospitals could reduce unnecessary visits and improve overall system efficiency.
The AI Applications – West African Hospital Needs Exchange Meeting offered a critical space for forward-thinking dialogue, and Dr. Paulina Denteh’s speech stood out as a call to action for patient-centered innovation. Her vision of AI as an enabler of trust, clarity, and connection aligns perfectly with the event’s goals of optimizing hospital support systems and expanding access to essential care. As HCOWA and its partners continue exploring intelligent healthcare solutions, Dr. Denteh’s message serves as a timely reminder: when we empower patients, we strengthen the entire health system.
The AI Applications – West African Hospital Needs Exchange Meeting proved to be a vital forum for showcasing practical, scalable innovations that can reshape healthcare across the region with representatives from Ghana Health Service, Ministry of Health, Food and Drugs Authority, administrators in healthcare facilities both private and government, stakeholders, and international partners participating in the event.
Dr. Paulina Denteh’s insights on AI chatbots added a critical dimension to the discussions, reinforcing the event’s broader objective of using intelligent technologies to improve hospital support and patient engagement. By bringing together experts from across sectors, the event highlighted not only the challenges but also the collaborative potential to drive systemic change.
As HCOWA continues to lead these strategic dialogues, the exchange meeting stands as a defining step toward a smarter, more accessible healthcare future for West Africa.
