As the CTO and Engineering Team Lead at Pharmarun, I’ve had the honor of guiding our tech team through some transformative developments, particularly in the field of AI. Our journey with artificial intelligence began out of necessity, as we sought to optimize our services and provide better care for our customers. However, it was our selection into the Google AI for Health program that truly accelerated our progress and allowed us to produce more impactful results.
Before joining the Google AI program, we had already started using AI to enhance our operations. One of our early adoptions was an AI-driven system designed to filter customer data and retarget orders within specific categories. This was particularly important for medications that require regular intake. By developing a recommendation algorithm, we were able to track these recurring needs and proactively prompt our customers for reorders, ensuring that they never ran out of their medication needs.
Also, I spearheaded the creation of a dynamic system that monitors medication demand across various regions in Nigeria. This system allowed us to stay ahead of trends, ensuring that our recommendations weren’t only personalized but also regionally applicable. This position of customization helped us better serve our customers and manage our inventory more efficiently.
The real game-changer, still, came with our participation in the Google AI for Health program. Over three months, we gained access to cutting-edge AI resources and insights that dramatically enhanced our capabilities. One of the most significant outcomes was the development of Pharma AI, an intelligent chat assistant integrated into our mobile app.
Pharma AI isn’t just a chatbot; it’s a sophisticated tool that interacts with users to understand their health requirements. Using the data it gathers, it provides customized recommendations; whether it’s suggesting a suitable medication from our platform or guiding the user to speak with a pharmacist for further personalized advice. As part of the development process, I led the team in implementing an advanced algorithm that ensures Pharma AI maintains the environment of each discussion while filtering out harmful, irrelevant, or contraband information. We also introduced a strict age restriction of 18 years to ensure the tool is used responsibly.
The integration of OpenAI’s algorithms, combined with the insights from the Google team, allowed us to develop a robust system that’s both responsive and secure. The Google AI program was instrumental in this development, providing us with the tools and knowledge to refine our algorithms, enhance our data processing capabilities, and eventually deliver a superior experience to our guests.
Reflecting on this journey, I can say with confidence that the combination of AI and our dedicated engineering team has positioned Pharmarun at the forefront of healthcare invention in Nigeria. The impact of the Google AI program on our operations can not be exaggerated it empowered us to take bold steps in improving healthcare delivery, making it more accessible, personalized, and safe for our users.
As we continue to grow, my commitment remains focused on pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve in healthcare. With a clear vision and the right tools, we’re transforming the way people manage their health, one invention at a time.
Bolade Akinniyi is a leader in the digital technology sector, a software engineer, and a technical lead at Pharmarun. He is passionate about building solutions to real problems with technology. He regularly shares insights into his work as well as thoughts on the digital technology landscape to help other builders.
