African medical centre treats 5,000 patients from 20 countries

The African Medical Centre of Excellence Abuja, has revealed that it treated more than 5,000 patients from over 20 countries across four continents within its first year of operation, highlighting what it described as growing confidence in Africa’s capacity to deliver world-class specialist healthcare.

The milestone was disclosed in a statement released on Sunday by the AMCE following the visit of the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Dr George Elombi, to the facility in Abuja as part of his working tour of Nigeria and the wider region.

According to the statement, Elombi’s visit reaffirmed Afreximbank’s commitment to supporting Africa’s healthcare sovereignty through sustained investment in specialist medical infrastructure.

Developed by Afreximbank in partnership with King’s College Hospital, London, the AMCE was established to strengthen specialist healthcare delivery across Africa by expanding clinical capacity, advancing research and medical education, and reducing dependence on overseas medical treatment.

The Centre said its first year of operations has demonstrated how development finance can transform healthcare delivery on the continent.

It disclosed that beyond registering over 5,000 patients, the facility had recorded several groundbreaking medical achievements, including West Africa’s first Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for lung cancer, enabling an elderly patient with a localised lung tumour to receive highly precise, non-invasive treatment that previously would have required travel abroad.

The Centre also successfully performed its first complex Triple Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, completed two stem cell transplants, and expanded access to advanced cardiac care within Africa.

According to the statement, the hospital’s laboratory processed more than 40,000 diagnostic tests and investigations during the year, while its cardiac programme performed 10 open-heart surgeries, 11 additional cardiac surgical procedures, 99 catheterisation laboratory procedures, and 173 anaesthesia-supported procedures.

The AMCE added that it had commenced nuclear medicine services, with Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography imaging now available for bone scans, renograms and perfusion scans, while Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography imaging is expected to begin later this year.

Speaking during the visit, Elombi described the Centre’s progress as evidence that Africa possesses the expertise and institutional capacity to deliver healthcare to global standards.

“The success of this Centre reflects the depth of talent assembled here and the pan-African spirit that underpins its service. The vision that inspired the conception and construction of this facility is the same conviction now being carried forward by the medical professionals delivering care to the continent,” he said.

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He added, “The AMCE provides health services and advances Africa’s health sovereignty while affirming our collective capacity to take responsibility for our own lives and future. The AMCE is a world-class quaternary healthcare facility delivering medical services of a standard that many would previously have sought beyond the continent.

“Nigerians, and citizens across Africa, must take full advantage of this facility—built by African institutions with the steadfast support of our governments.”

The Chief Executive Officer of the AMCE, Brian Deaver, said the visit by the Afreximbank president offered an opportunity to reflect on the Centre’s achievements within its first year.

“Our progress, from pioneering clinical achievements to earning growing trust across the region, demonstrates that Africa can build and sustain world-class centres of excellence. With Afreximbank’s continued vision and support, we remain committed to advancing patient care, research, education and innovation to strengthen health systems across the continent,” Deaver said.

The statement added that Elombi toured the Centre’s clinical departments, interacted with healthcare professionals and received updates on operational performance, clinical milestones and long-term expansion plans.

He commended members of staff for their dedication to building what he described as a new benchmark for specialist healthcare delivery in Africa.

According to the AMCE, the facility currently employs more than 600 clinical and non-clinical professionals from 12 countries, reflecting its growing reputation as a destination for highly skilled healthcare workers.

The Centre also recently earned the Great Place to Work Certification, with 90 per cent of employees describing it as a great place to work.

The African Medical Centre of Excellence, located in Abuja, was established by Afreximbank in collaboration with King’s College Hospital, London, and in strategic partnership with the Bank of Industry and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

The tertiary multi-speciality medical institution was created to bridge gaps in advanced healthcare across Africa by providing specialist services in oncology, haematology, cardiovascular medicine and other complex treatments, including stem cell transplantation.

The project forms part of Afreximbank’s broader strategy to reduce outbound medical tourism, strengthen medical research and training, create jobs, and build a sustainable healthcare ecosystem capable of delivering world-class care within Africa.