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Hospital to create 3,000 jobs, reverse “japa” syndrome
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday, June 5, commissioned a $300 million world-class health facility, the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), in Abuja, built by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with King’s College Hospital, London.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu described the facility as a solution to growing medical tourism, which has resulted in capital flight and increased pressure on limited foreign exchange reserves.
He expressed appreciation for the concept and assured maximum support for the hospital’s operations, enabling it to serve as a hub for advanced treatment of non-communicable diseases.
He said, “AMCE is a promise for the continent. What we witness today is a statement that we are prepared to compete with the best medical facilities and services worldwide. The AMCE could not have come at a better time. It will benefit from the investments and reforms we have championed over the last two years and serves as a reminder that the ultimate measure of a functional nation is the synergy between government and private sector players to co-create solutions.
“The pace you set here shall serve as a template for those who seek excellence in service delivery, even beyond the health sector. I am 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 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 be empowered at home rather than exported.”
Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, reflected on the AMCE’s conceptualisation a decade ago, expressing satisfaction that the dream has been realised on a grand scale.
He said the AMCE was designed, built, and equipped to attract global attention to Nigeria, noting that Nigerians lead globally in producing quality health workforce. “This will herald a reversal of the ‘japa’ syndrome that has impacted our healthcare system,” he added.
Brian Deaver, Chief Executive Officer of AMCE, in his welcome remarks, stated: “AMCE is more than a hospital. It is a commitment and a promise that world-class, cutting-edge healthcare is no longer something we must leave Africa for. It is now right here—home-grown, African-dreamed, African-built, and soon, African-renowned.”
Deaver told journalists that the hospital starts with 170 beds, with plans to expand to 500 beds within five years, and is expected to create 3,000 jobs across medical and non-medical sectors, addressing health workforce brain drain and boosting employment opportunities.
He further stated that the hospital will specialise in comprehensive care across oncology, cardiology, and haematology, including general medical and surgical services and advanced diagnostic capabilities. “AMCE will offer residency and training programmes, clinical trials, and establish a Medical and Nursing School,” he said.
Deaver added that the hospital is equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment tools, including an 18MeV Cyclotron, PET and SPECT CT Scanners, 3 Tesla MRI Scanner, 256-slice CT Scanner, two linear accelerators, a brachytherapy unit, the largest stem cell laboratory in Africa, 15 post-isolation rooms, five operating theatres, three catheterisation labs, advanced laboratory capabilities, and 20 chemotherapy chairs supported by a compounding pharmacy.
Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director of Export Development at Afreximbank, told journalists that the AMCE model will be replicated in five other locations across Africa to provide significant medical services to Africans.
She noted that the initiative will stimulate businesses and services across the continent and provide affordable medical solutions for advanced medical conditions previously referred to foreign hospitals.
Remarks were delivered by dignitaries, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Keabetswe Mene; and the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery.