In a significant move aimed at reducing medical tourism, President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated a state-of-the-art multi-million-dollar hospital in Abuja. The world-class medical facility is located in Kabusa, a suburb of Nigeria's capital city.
Vice President Kashim Shettima commissioned the facility on Thursday on behalf of President Tinubu. The hospital was constructed under the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) initiative, with financial backing from the Africa Export Import (AFREXIM) Bank.
International Partnerships and Projected Impact
According to the project facilitators, the hospital will operate in partnership with the prestigious King's College Hospital London and other international healthcare providers. This collaboration aims to bring world-class medical expertise to Nigerian patients who would otherwise seek treatment abroad.
The facility is projected to provide medical care for approximately 350,000 patients within the next five years, significantly enhancing healthcare delivery in Nigeria and potentially saving billions in foreign exchange currently spent on overseas medical treatment.
Addressing Medical Tourism
Medical tourism has been a persistent challenge for Nigeria's healthcare system and economy, with thousands of Nigerians traveling abroad annually for medical treatment. This new facility represents a concrete step toward reversing this trend by providing advanced medical services locally.
The establishment of the African Medical Centre of Excellence aligns with the Tinubu administration's health sector reform agenda, which includes improving healthcare infrastructure and reducing dependence on foreign medical services.
With its modern equipment and international partnerships, the hospital is positioned to become a medical hub not just for Nigeria but potentially for the West African sub-region.
