From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has commissioned a $300 million health facility, the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), built by the African Import-Export Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with King’s College Hospital, London in Abuja.
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, described the facility as a solution to the growing medical tourism that has resulted in capital flight and more stress on the limited foreign exchange.
He appreciated the concept and assured maximum support to the operations of the hospital so it could serve as a solution point for those seeking advanced treatment for some of the non-communicable diseases.
He said: “AMCE is a promise of the continent. What we gather to witness is a statement that we are prepared to compete with the best medical facilities and services around the world. So, the AMCE could not have come at a better time. It will, undoubtedly, benefit from the investments and reforms we have championed in the last two years, and it is also a reminder that the ultimate measure of a functional nation is the synergy between the government and private sector players to co-create solutions.
“The pace you are here to set shall serve as a template for those who truly seek excellence in their service delivery, even beyond the health sector. I am also proud that Nigeria now hosts the largest stem cell laboratory in West Africa, located within this Centre. With the planned Medical and Nursing School on this campus, and with partners ranging from King’s College London to the University of Wisconsin, you are laying the foundation for a new generation of African medical specialists, who will no longer be exported but empowered at home.”
Prof. Benedict Oramah, president and chairman, the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, in his remarks, had a nostalgic memory of how the AMCE idea was conceptualised some 10 years ago, and was glad that the dream has been fulfilled massively as expected.
He said that AMCE was designed, built and equipped to attract global attention to Nigeria, considering the fact that Nigerians are leading in global space when it comes to production of quality health workforce. “This will obviously herald a reverse of the “japa” syndrome that has hit our health care system.”
Brian Deaver, chief executive officer of AMCE, in his welcome remarks, noted that AMCE is more than a hospital. “It is a commitment and a promise that world-class, cutting-edge healthcare is not something we have to leave Africa for. It is now right here; homegrown. African dreamed, African-built. And soon, African-renowned.”
Deaver had earlier told journalists that the hospital is starting with 170 beds, with planned expansion to 500 beds within five years, and would be expected to provide 3, 000 jobs across medical and non-medical sectors, helping to tackle health workforce, brain drain and boost employment opportunities.
He further stated that the hospital would specialise in comprehensive care across oncology, cardiology and haematology, including general medical and surgical services, as well as advanced diagnostic services. “AMCE will also offer residency and training programmes, clinical trials and establish a medical & nursing school.”
Deaver also added that the hospital is equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment tools such as an 18MeV Cyclotron, PET & SPECT CT Scanners, three Tesla MRI Scan, 256-slice CT scanner, two linear accelerators and a Brachytherapy, largest stem cell laboratory in Africa and 15 post-isolation rooms, five operating theatres, three catheterisation labs, advanced laboratory capabilities and 20 chemotherapy chairs supported by a compounding pharmacy.
Oluranti Doherty, the Managing Director, Export Development, Afreximbank, also told journalists that the AMCE idea would be replicated in five different locations across Africa to offer similar significant medical services to Africans.
In addition to that, it will stimulate businesses and services across the continent and provide affordable medical services to advanced medical issues that are hitherto referred to in hospitals abroad.
There were remarks from different dignitaries, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Secretary General, African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), Wamkele Keabetswe Mene, British Ambassador to Nigeria and several others.