AMCE to build $237m cyclotron facility in Nigeria

As part of efforts to provide world-class medical services and curb medical tourism in the country, the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) has commenced the construction of a state-of-the-art medical facility with advanced medical imaging technology critical for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders.

AMCE is a $1 billion tertiary-level multi-specialty medical institution being built in Abuja by Afreximbank in collaboration with King’s College Hospital, London. It is expected to be completed by April 2025, and operations are scheduled to commence in June of the same year.

Speaking during a tour of the facility in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of AMCE, Mr. Brian Deaver, stated that the West Africa region currently faces a significant gap in access to cyclotron technology, with only one operational cyclotron in the region. He added that the development of AMCE’s Cyclotron facility will help bridge this gap and provide much-needed access to cutting-edge medical technology in West Africa.

According to a 2023 report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the majority of Africa’s cyclotron facilities are concentrated in North Africa and South Africa, leaving West Africa with limited access to advanced diagnostic imaging and radiopharmaceutical production.

Deaver explained that cyclotrons are vital for producing medical isotopes, which are crucial for advanced diagnostic imaging and targeted therapies. He added that by establishing this facility, AMCE will ensure a reliable, local supply of isotopes, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses for non-communicable diseases.

He observed that the impact of this facility will extend beyond diagnostics, as it will foster innovation and research that will improve treatment options for patients suffering from chronic conditions.

“This equipment will enable the production of radiopharmaceuticals, which are vital for PET-CT scans and other nuclear medicine procedures, offering unparalleled precision in disease detection and treatment planning. By bringing this technology to West Africa, we are not just enhancing local healthcare infrastructure; we are also laying the groundwork for a self-sufficient and resilient healthcare system.”

“Our plan is to make a significant and measurable positive impact on non-communicable disease care and recovery in West Africa. We recognize the ever-pressing need to address the growing burden of diseases such as cancer, sickle cell, and cardiovascular conditions that affect millions in our communities. By focusing on this vision, we will enhance healthcare outcomes and improve the quality of life for individuals and families across the region,” he added.

According to him, the Medical Centre is designed to deliver new and better diagnostic and treatment options for Nigerians, while also serving patients throughout West Africa and beyond to reverse the costly trend of medical tourism and empower individuals to receive high-quality healthcare within their own communities.

Deaver said that the first stage of the hospital project will cost $237 million, with a focus on four key areas of intervention: cancer, sickle cell, cardiovascular and haematology treatment, and general medical and surgical services.

Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director of AMCE, Dr. Aisha Umar, assured that the medical centre will provide safe and quality care to patients. She said that the medical facility has the infrastructure, human resources, and capacity to bring the latest treatments to Nigerians and other Africans, and that everything is being put in place to ensure excellent service delivery on a sustainable basis.

She noted that the 1st phase of the Medical Centre has a 170-bed capacity, while 340 additional beds will be built in the second phase, bringing it to a 500-bed capacity by 2028.

The Deputy General Manager of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), Fatima Ige, who represented the Director General, said the agency is working with the hospital to ensure compliance with regulatory rules as it concerns ionising radiation.