The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), Abuja, developed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has treated more than 5,000 patients from over 20 countries within its first year of operation, marking a major milestone in Africa’s drive to strengthen specialist healthcare and reduce medical tourism.
The milestone was highlighted during a visit to the facility by Afreximbank President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, George Elombi, who reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to advancing healthcare sovereignty across the continent.
Developed by Afreximbank in partnership with King’s College Hospital, AMCE was established to expand access to world-class specialist healthcare, strengthen clinical capacity, promote medical research and education, and reduce Africa’s dependence on overseas treatment.
Within its first year, the centre has recorded several landmark clinical achievements, including West Africa’s first Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for lung cancer, the successful completion of a complex Triple Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), and two stem cell transplants.
The hospital has also processed more than 40,000 diagnostic tests and investigations, carried out 10 open-heart surgeries and 11 additional cardiac surgical procedures, completed 99 catheterisation laboratory procedures and 173 anaesthesia-supported procedures.
AMCE has further expanded its specialist services by introducing nuclear medicine, with Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging now available for bone scans, renograms and perfusion scans, while Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) services are expected to commence later this year.
Speaking during the visit, Elombi described the centre’s achievements as proof that Africa can build and sustain world-class healthcare institutions.
“The success of this Centre reflects the depth of talent assembled here and the pan-African spirit that underpins its service,” he said.
According to him, AMCE not only provides advanced medical care but also strengthens Africa’s healthcare sovereignty by demonstrating the continent’s ability to deliver specialist treatment that previously required patients to travel abroad.
He urged Nigerians and other Africans to utilise the facility, noting that it represents a major investment by African institutions supported by governments across the continent.
Chief Executive Officer of AMCE, Brian Deaver, said the centre’s first-year performance demonstrates Africa’s capacity to establish globally competitive centres of medical excellence.
“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,” he said, adding that the institution would continue investing in patient care, research, education and innovation.
During the visit, Elombi toured key clinical departments, interacted with healthcare professionals and received updates on the centre’s operations, clinical performance and expansion plans.
AMCE currently employs more than 600 clinical and non-clinical professionals from 12 nationalities. Earlier this year, the hospital also earned the Great Place to Work® Certification, with 90 per cent of its employees describing it as a great place to work.
The tertiary multi-speciality medical institution was developed by Afreximbank in collaboration with King’s College Hospital, London, with strategic support from the Bank of Industry and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited as part of a broader effort to strengthen Africa’s healthcare ecosystem through advanced medical services, research, training and job creation.