21/05/2026
Family Physicians Advocate Compassionate Care in Digital Healthcare at World Family Doctor Day 2026
Family physicians and healthcare stakeholders in Ekiti State have called for the preservation of compassion and human connection in healthcare delivery amid the growing adoption of digital technologies in medicine.
The call was made during the celebration of World Family Doctor Day (WFDD) 2026, organised by the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON), Ekiti State chapter, and held at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti (FETHI).
In his opening remarks, the SOFPON Chairman in Ekiti State, Dr. F.O. Aina, described the event as an important platform for recognising the role of family physicians in strengthening healthcare systems and ensuring continuity of care. He noted that family physicians bridge the gap between technological advancement and compassionate care and urged practitioners to uphold the core values of compassion, continuity, excellence and patient-centered care.
Representing the Acting Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr. Adeyemo Olabisi, Dr. Omotola Obajuwonlo, of the Medicine Department emphasized the importance of celebrating family physicians’ contributions to healthcare delivery. He noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) and other bodies recognise their global relevance, but warned that the increasing use of digital tools must not erode the “human touch” in patient care. He stressed that empathy, closeness and attention remain essential to quality healthcare.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme “Compassionate Care in a Digital World,” the Acting Provost of ABUAD College of Medicine, Dr. L.O. Odeigah, represented by Prof. Olusegun Agboola, highlighted the need to balance technological advancement with compassion in healthcare.
He noted that telemedicine, electronic records, AI diagnostics and remote monitoring have improved access and efficiency, but insisted that healthcare must remain patient-centered. He defined compassionate care as empathy, respect, kindness and clinical competence in relieving suffering, warning that technology cannot replace emotional support or strong doctor–patient relationships.
He further cautioned that poorly implemented digital systems may reduce human interaction, increase burnout and exclude vulnerable groups such as the elderly, rural dwellers and low-literacy populations. In Nigeria, he cited poor internet access, unstable power supply and low digital literacy as major challenges.
Prof. Agboola concluded that compassion can still thrive in digital healthcare through empathy, active listening and meaningful engagement, even in virtual care. He described family physicians as the “human bridge” in healthcare, stressing that while AI supports diagnosis, it cannot replace empathy, reassurance or moral judgment. He added that digital healthcare should strengthen, not replace, human relationships, noting that “patients may forget prescriptions, but they never forget compassion.”
Other activities included a question-and-answer session and a drug presentation by Fidson Pharmaceutical Company aimed at product awareness.
Dignitaries present included Dr. A.K. Olusuyi, Acting HOD, Family Medicine, FETHI; Dr. Mrs. Oloyede Toyin Elegbede; Dr. Ibrahim Azeez, immediate past SOFPON Chairman in Ekiti State and Head of Accident and Emergency, FETHI; Dr. Omonijo, Consultant, Accident and Emergency Department; Dr. J.A. Owoyemi, Head of NHIA Unit, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital and SOFPON Secretary; Dr. Afolayan, Consultant Family Physician, Federal Medical Centre, Ikole-Ekiti; Dr. Ibirongbe Adebola of ABUAD, among others.
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