By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Administration, has vowed to make Abuja the hub of medical tourism in Africa as it pledged to provide the necessary support for the successful completion and operation of the African Medical Center of Excellence, with a view to reversing medical tourism.
The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, gave this commitment during a site tour of the state of the art facility, of African Medical Centre for Excellence, billed to be operational in early 2025.
Mahmoud stated that the partnership between the African Export-Import Bank and Kings College Hospital London to establish the 170-bed hospital in Abuja was a testament to the commitment of advancing clinical care, training, and research in specialty areas such as oncology, cardiovascular services, hematology, diagnostics, and general medical services.
The minister said, “The potential impact of this initiative in reversing medical tourism and reducing healthcare worker migration is commendable.”
“I am encouraged by the prospect of over 1000 workers being employed to support the hospital’s operations.”
“Therefore, I am fully committed to ensuring that the Federal Capital Territory Administration provides the necessary support for the successful establishment and operation of the African Medical Center of Excellence.”
“We are happy to see, that the 6.5 hectares of land, which was donated by the Federal Capital Territory Administration, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, as part of the host country agreement, has been developed to accommodate this hospital.”
The Chief Executive Officer, African Medical Center of Excellence, Mr. Brian Deaver, who conducted the minister round the facility commended the FCT Administration for the strategic partnership.
He informed the minister that the facility would appreciate the administration’s contributions towards improvement in the management of non communicable diseases in the territory.
Deaver noted that the medical partnership would yield positive outcomes for the healthcare sector in the region.
