By Vivian Ihechu
In a bold step toward reversing outbound medical tourism and securing Africa’s healthcare independence, the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja has recorded significant clinical milestones within its first year of operations.
The impacts were highlighted during a working tour of Nigeria and the wider region by Dr George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) officially opened on June 5, 2025, marking a historic milestone in Africa’s journey towards healthcare sovereignty.
The US$300 million tertiary medical facility, was developed by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with King’s College Hospital London.
The AMCE, located in Abuja, was established to help transform specialist healthcare delivery in Africa.
Designed to meet the highest global standards, AMCE Abuja offers world-class services across oncology, haematology, cardiology, and general medical services.
More than a hospital, the facility represents a bold statement of Africa’s determination to reduce dependence on foreign health systems and reverse the estimated US$6-10 billion Africans spend annually seeking treatment abroad.
This would be by strengthening clinical capacity, advancing research and education, creating a sustainable ecosystem for world-class care on the continent and in turn, reducing dependence on medical travel abroad.
In its first year of operation, AMCE has moved from vision to measurable impact, demonstrating how development finance can transform healthcare on the continent.
According to the management, the Centre has registered no fewer than 5,000 patients from more than 20 countries across four continents.
This underscores its growing role as a regional and global referral centre for advanced specialist healthcare.
Beyond the numbers are lives already being transformed.
During its first year, AMCE has achieved several important clinical milestones.
The Centre delivered West Africa’s first Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for lung cancer, treating an octogenarian with a localised lung tumour using a highly precise, non-invasive technique that previously required many patients to travel abroad.
The Centre also completed its first complex Triple Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), demonstrating that advanced cardiac care can now be delivered to global standards within Africa.
AMCE also successfully completed two Stem cell transplants.
Evaluating AMCE’s first-year operational performance, he noted that its advanced laboratory had processed more than 40,000 diagnostic tests and investigations.
Additionally, the Centre has commenced Nuclear medicine services, with Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging now available for bone scans, renograms, and perfusion scans.
However, Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) imaging is scheduled to commence later in the year.
Speaking during the visit, Elombi applauded the remarkable progress recorded by the Centre within its first year of operation, describing it as a compelling demonstration of African excellence, institutional resolve, and shared purpose.
He stated: “The success of this Centre reflects the depth of talent assembled here and the pan-African spirit that underpins its service.
“The vision that inspired the conception and construction of this facility is the same conviction now being carried forward by the medical professionals delivering care to the continent.
“The AMCE provides health services and advances Africa’s health sovereignty while affirming our collective capacity to take responsibility for our own lives and future.
“The AMCE is a world-class quaternary healthcare facility delivering medical services of a standard that many would previously have sought beyond the continent.
“Nigerians, and citizens across Africa, must take full advantage of this facility—built by African institutions with the steadfast support of our governments.”
Reacting to the assessment, AMCE Chief Executive Officer, Brian Deaver, said Elombi’s visit marked an important milestone in the Centre’s journey, providing an opportunity to reflect on the impact of AMCE in just one year.
“Our progress, from pioneering clinical achievements to earning growing trust across the region, demonstrates that Africa can build and sustain world-class centres of excellence.
“With Afreximbank’s continued vision and support, we remain committed to advancing patient care, research, education and innovation to strengthen health systems across the continent,’’ Deaver noted.
Elombi, who toured key clinical departments and interacted with healthcare professionals, thanked the employees for building a new benchmark for specialist healthcare in Africa.
Today, AMCE employs more than 600 clinical and non-clinical professionals, representing 12 nationalities.
Earlier this year, the Centre earned the Great Place to Work® Certification, with 90 per cent of employees affirming it is a great place to work.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Oluwafunke Ishola