African Medical Centers (AMCE), an initiative of Afreximbank, will begin operations in June 2025, with a focus on reversing medical tourism and attracting doctors who migrated to Africa in a phenomenon commonly known as “Japa” .
AMCE CEO Brian Deaver on Thursday unveiled plans for the facility during a tour in Abuja, saying the center will provide world-class medical services that will attract both local and international patients. The initiative was clarified.
“We are on a very strict schedule. We are scheduled to open on June 5, 2025,” he said.
He stressed that the preparation of the medical center of excellence is to reverse Nigeria’s medical tourism, which is estimated at $1 billion annually.
“We are incorporating top talent in healthcare, the best technology, and because of the work we are doing here, we will have Europeans coming to Abuja for the care that we can provide. We are going to have a significant impact on the billions of dollars that are flowing out, and we intend to do so,” he said.
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The CEO also said the facility is aimed at curbing the Brown exodus by attracting domestic as well as international medical workers. Deaver said Nigerian doctors are among the most skilled in the world, many of whom hold leadership roles at top medical institutions around the world.
Deaver said the hospital will have 90% Nigerians and 10% foreigners who will be responsible for training and knowledge transfer.
“We are bringing the diaspora back home. They are the most skilled clinicians and doctors in the world. “We are providing funding to treat these people,” he said.
The CEO said recruitment efforts have already begun and approximately 600 new jobs will be created once the first phase of the center is complete.
The CEO further announced that Cebtre will introduce advanced cyclotron technology to enhance its diagnostic capabilities. Currently, West Africa faces a lack of access to cyclotron technology, with only one available.
Deaver said the cyclotron technology, which will be implemented in partnership with IBA Radiopharmaceutical Solutions, will be at higher power and energy levels.
He explained that cyclotrons are essential for producing medical isotopes, which are essential for advanced diagnostic imaging and targeted therapies. He said AMCE’s establishment of a cyclotron facility will ensure a reliable local isotope supply and enable faster and more accurate diagnosis of non-communicable diseases such as cancer. .
“It makes the cancer glow, which has never been observed before,” he said.
“The impact of this facility extends beyond diagnosis. It will foster innovation and research that improves treatment options for patients suffering from chronic diseases. By bringing this technology to West Africa, we will strengthen the local healthcare infrastructure. We’re not just strengthening; we’re also laying the foundations for a self-sufficient and resilient health system.
“Importantly, the cyclotron facility will serve as a hub for collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and industry experts. This synergy will help drive the solutions needed to address our region’s healthcare challenges. “It’s extremely important,” he added.
“We recognize that there is always a pressing need to address growing diseases such as cancer, sickle cell and cardiovascular disease that affect millions of people in our communities. We recognize that by focusing on this vision, we will improve healthcare outcomes and improve the quality of life for individuals and families across the region,” he further stated.
Mr. Deaver also spoke about the center’s potential to promote intra-African trade.
“We hope that with the $1 billion provided by Afrexim Bank, medical supply companies, equipment manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, etc. will come and establish themselves here. 15,000 pieces of equipment are coming in and we will be bidding for medical equipment. We are buying as much as we can from African manufacturers and suppliers,” he said.
He further said that the medical center has great interest in sickle cell disease and aims to provide a permanent treatment.
“We have set up a stem cell laboratory in this hospital to not only treat a single cell, but to treat it forever,” he said.
The CEO said that $237 million has been invested in the project so far and expressed Afrexim Bank’s commitment to finance the entire project. He said the center is also attracting investors.
“We have received a lot of interest from investors. We are over capacity at the moment. We, the African Finance Corporation, intend to do so as well as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL) and the Industrial Bank,” he said. said.
In the near future, AMCE plans to establish a medical school, a nursing school, a hotel for patients’ families, housing for employees, and a clinical research facility in partnership with Novartis and Roche outside Switzerland to conduct clinical research here, Deaver said. It is said to be under consideration.
Deaver said he will establish a separate foundation for donations on affordability for the poor, which has raised $7 million so far.
Yau Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority, said the agency, through its robust regulatory framework, will ensure that the necessary requirements for the normal operation of the facility are met.
He called for adequate investment in equipment and training of human resources.
