A Nigerian-born health and safety expert, Omolara Oluseun Juba, has developed an artificial intelligence-powered medication dispenser aimed at reducing drug administration errors among elderly persons and patients living with dementia.

The device, currently being piloted in Nigerian hospitals, is designed to address the growing global concern over medication safety, particularly among senior citizens and individuals with memory-related conditions.

Juba, who is based in the United Kingdom and holds a Master’s degree in Occupational Safety, Health and Wellbeing, said her research into medication errors revealed the scale and consequences of inaccurate or missed doses.

The AI-powered dispenser operates on a pre-programmed timer and alerts patients when it is time to take their medication using audio and visual reminders. It is also equipped with sensors that detect when a pill has been dispensed and taken, while a synced mobile application allows family members and healthcare providers to monitor adherence remotely.

Speaking in a telephone interview with The Guardian Nigeria, Juba said her decision to move from research to product development was influenced by global data on medication-related harm.

“My research led me to a World Health Organisation report which revealed that medication errors cost an estimated $42bn annually worldwide and contribute significantly to hospital admissions. Those figures reflect a real crisis, especially for the elderly,” she said.

According to her, the team developed and tested a prototype before securing a United Kingdom registered design.

“It has been a journey of deep commitment, and it is encouraging to see the device being used to improve patient safety in Nigeria,” she added.

Hospital administrators and nurses involved in the pilot phase have reportedly described the device as helpful in reducing workload and minimising missed doses.

Juba recounted the case of a physician who used the dispenser to manage his mother’s medication in a rural Nigerian community.

“The device helped stabilise her health and reduced hospital visits. The timer and alarm system ensure she takes the correct dosage without fail,” she said.

The innovation comes at a time when ageing populations and overstretched healthcare systems have heightened the need for automated medication adherence technologies.

Industry observers note that beyond home use, the dispenser can be integrated into nursing homes and community healthcare centres to improve safety and cut costs associated with medication errors.

With regulatory registration secured in the UK and pilot testing ongoing in Nigeria, Juba and her team are preparing for wider production and distribution of the device.

Stakeholders say such locally driven technological solutions could play a key role in strengthening patient safety systems in Nigeria and beyond.