AMCE records patients from 20 nations, performs open-heart surgeries, stem cell transplants in first year

By Ojoma Akor

The African Medical Center of Excellence (AMCE) has recorded significant medical milestones within one year of its operations, the center’s management has said.

This was highlighted during the visit of George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), to the center in Abuja, Nigeria.

Afreximbank partnered with King’s College Hospital in London to establish AMCE. AMCE aims to strengthen clinical capacity, advance research and education, build a sustainable ecosystem for world-class care on the continent, and reduce dependence on medical travel abroad.

A statement from Afreximbank said that during its first year, AMCE registered over 5,000 patients from more than 20 countries across four continents.

It also delivered West Africa’s first Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for lung cancer, treating an octogenarian with a localized lung tumor using a highly precise, non-invasive technique that previously required many patients to travel abroad; completed its first complex Triple Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), thus demonstrating that advanced cardiac care can now be delivered to global standards within Africa; and also completed two stem cell transplants.

The statement said the hospital’s advanced laboratory has processed more than 40,000 diagnostic tests and investigations; completed 10 open-heart surgeries and 11 cardiac surgical procedures under the cardiac program; and administered 99 catheterization laboratory procedures and 173 anesthesia-supported procedures in just a year.

It said, “Additionally, the center has commenced nuclear medicine services, with Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT) imaging now available for bone, renogram, and perfusion scans. At the same time, Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) imaging is scheduled to commence later in the year.

“In its first year of operation, AMCE has moved from vision to measurable impact, demonstrating how development finance can transform healthcare on the continent.”

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Elombi applauded the remarkable progress the center achieved in its first year of operation, describing it as a compelling demonstration of African excellence, institutional resolve, and shared purpose.

He said, “The success of this center reflects the depth of talent assembled here and the pan-African spirit that underpins its service. The vision that inspired this facility is now being carried forward by the medical professionals who care for patients across the continent.

“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 that many previously 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.”

AMCE’s Chief Executive Officer, Brian Deaver, said Dr. Elombi’s visit marks an important milestone in the center’s journey and provides an opportunity to reflect on the impact AMCE has made in just one year.

“Our progress, from pioneering clinical achievements to earning growing trust across the region, demonstrates that Africa can build and sustain world-class centers 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.

Dr Elombi also toured key clinical departments, interacted with healthcare professionals and staff, and received updates on the center’s operational performance, clinical achievements, and long-term expansion plans.

While reaffirming Afreximbank’s commitment to supporting the realization of Africa’s health care sovereignty, he said that the center’s early achievements reflect the dedication, professionalism, and shared vision of its workforce.