Centre to provide quality healthcare for indigent Nigerians

The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) Abuja plans to provide quality healthcare for indigent Nigerians.

AMCE Chief Executive Officer, Brian Deaver who disclosed this during the tour of the facility in Abuja, said that the centre intends to reverse medical tourism by offering world-class medical services while creating opportunities for Nigerian doctors in the diaspora to return and practice locally.

The tertiary medical institution spearheaded by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with King’s College Hospital, London, promised to deliver comprehensive services in oncology, haematology, cardiovascular care, and general healthcare to Nigerians and Africans at large.

Deaver observed that the centre is a bold step toward reshaping the future of specialised healthcare and creating a sustainable healthcare ecosystem that will set new standards for medical excellence across the continent.

To ensure the hospital remains accessible and affordable, the foundation will receive donations that would subsidise care for patients unable to afford treatment, adding that part of the funds will be used for any capital required to expand services and also fund certain types of research.

“This facility is more than a response to Africa’s healthcare challenges, it is a proactive investment in the well-being of millions. From early diagnostics to advanced treatment and long-term disease management, AMCE will provide a seamless continuum of care that improves patient outcomes, strengthens medical expertise, and retains talent that might otherwise seek opportunities abroad.

“Our focus remains unwavering: building a centre of excellence that not only delivers life-saving care but also drives economic growth, supports local innovation, and reinforces Nigeria’s position as a leading destination for specialised medical treatment. Through strategic partnerships and state-of-the-art infrastructure, we are not just treating diseases—we are transforming healthcare delivery for generations to come,” he said.

Deaver expressed confidence that the hospital would commence operations as planned, providing specialised services such as cancer care, cardiovascular treatments, and the management of haematological and blood disorders.

Also speaking, the President and Chairman, Board of Directors of both Afreximbank and AMCE, Prof Benedict Oramah, said that Africa has borne the heavy burden of non-communicable diseases, capital flight from medical tourism, and the exodus of skilled professionals seeking opportunities abroad.

Oramah noted that the AMCE is set to change that narrative, adding that the medical facility represents a defining moment in Africa’s pursuit of self-sufficiency in healthcare.

He observed that by delivering world-class, lifesaving care to over 350,000 patients within its first five years, this facility will ensure that quality healthcare is no longer a privilege reserved for those who can afford to travel overseas. Oramah said the centre will create 3,000 jobs, stimulate Intra-African trade in medical services, and strengthen critical supply chains in pharmaceuticals and healthcare delivery.

He said: “This initiative is more than an investment in infrastructure—it is an investment in Africa’s future. Through strategic partnerships with governments, international stakeholders, and the private sector, we are demonstrating that Africa has both the ambition and capability to provide world-class healthcare for its people.

The AMCE is not just a medical facility; it is a statement of intent, a symbol of progress, and a beacon of hope for a healthier, more self-reliant continent.”

On his part, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, said that the centre represents a transformative leap for healthcare in Nigeria and across the continent.

He said: “The government remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that strengthen the healthcare system and enhance the well-being of our people. This project reaffirms our commitment to fostering world-class medical infrastructure that will provide accessible and high-quality care for all.”

Also speaking, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, stated that healthcare is the backbone of national development, and the centre is a shining example of what strategic investment and collaboration can achieve.

Akume noted that the project will not only position Nigeria as a hub for cutting-edge medical services but also create jobs and drive innovation in the sector.

According to the management, the AMCE Campus future phases will include a second 350-bed hospital facility, medical and nursing school, medical and sciences foundation, dedicated medical office suite and research centre, as well as medical residences and medical lodges to support patients and healthcare professionals.

The centre’s primary goal is to reduce medical tourism by offering advanced procedures, such as stem cell transplantation, and state-of-the-art treatments for various diseases.