UAE hospital opens Lagos office to boost subspecialty health

United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based American Hospital Dubai (AHD) has opened its first African office in Lagos State to boost subspecialty health among Nigerians.

The Chairman, American Hospital Dubai-Nigeria Llimited, Mahmoud Harbaji, explained that the hospital would function as an embassy for patients in Nigeria with the intent to access care from the Dubai facility.

Harbaji, who recognised Nigeria’s potential and importance within Africa, noted that the hospital will make a positive impact on the health and well-being of Nigerians.

The Consul General of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Nigeria, Dr Abdullah Al-mandoos, acknowledged the efforts and support of the government to achieve this milestone.

Representative of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and State’s Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, recalled that he first had a detailed discussion with Al-Mandoos regarding how the UAE, Lagos and Nigeria can initiate some joint collaborative initiatives to strengthen the healthcare sector, but the implementations were slowed down by COVID-19 pandemic.

Abayomi said the initiative would benefit Lagosians and save travel expenses. “Lagos welcomes this initiative. If Lagosians are going to Dubai for medical interventions, we would want that journey to be as seamless, safe and problem-free,” he added.

The commissioner explained that Lagos has 35 general hospitals and needs more subspecialty general hospitals where things like neurosurgery, complex cancer treatment, and kidney transplants, among many others can be done. “Lagos State is a centre of commerce and health is a very important component of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of any country, which is why the government is serious about providing universal healthcare coverage (UHC) for the masses,” he said.

Member of the Board, American Hospital Dubai -Nigeria Limited, Tonye Princewill, noted that the expansion into Nigeria demonstrates the facility’s commitment to invest in Nigeria and aimed at making access to care in Dubai seamless and convenient. “Many hospitals take patients from Nigeria but only a few are prepared to commit energy and resources to developing that business.”