We Built AMCE To End Medical Tourism, Save Lives At Home – Doherty

What inspired Afreximbank to conceptualise AMCE, and what role did you personally play in its early stages?

Afreximbank’s commitment to Africa’s development has always included a strong focus on healthcare, recognising its critical role in the continent’s emancipation and economic development. The idea behind AMCE was sparked by the widespread challenge many Africans face, having to travel abroad for specialised medical treatment, which is often expensive and disruptive.

Professor Benedict Oramah’s personal experience was a powerful catalyst in bringing AMCE to life. In 2013, he faced a serious health crisis that required urgent, specialised care unavailable locally which highlighted the glaring gap in Africa’s healthcare infrastructure.

Motivated by this, Professor Oramah played a pivotal role in championing the establishment of AMCE. He has been instrumental in steering the project from concept to reality, driven by the vision to provide world-class, specialised healthcare within Africa, ensuring that no African is lost as a result of has to travel far from home to receive the care they deserve.

 How does this initiative aim to bridge the gap between healthcare infrastructure and access in Nigeria?

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It is estimated that Nigerians spend over $1 billion annually on medical tourism, with many seeking treatments in countries like India, the UK, and the US. This not only places a heavy burden on personal finances but also represents a significant loss of potential revenue for the country. Funds that could be invested in strengthening our local healthcare system, creating jobs, and improving infrastructure are instead flowing out of the economy.

Anecdotally, many families who are already struggling with health issues face even greater burdens when they have to travel abroad for care. For example, one of the early drivers for AMCE was a conversation I had with a family who had to take their child overseas for specialised cancer treatment. They shared how difficult it was, not only financially but emotionally, dealing with the long travels and being away from home.

This really hit home for me. With AMCE, we wanted to ensure that families wouldn’t have to make those tough decisions. We want people to get the care they need, with the same quality or even better, without leaving the country. The idea of providing that level of comfort and support to people in Nigeria and West Africa truly drives everything we are doing.

Can you speak on how AMCE will contribute to job creation and local capacity building?

AMCE Abuja was built not just to deliver world-class healthcare, but to create real tangible opportunities for our people. One of the ways we are doing that is by hiring over 1,000 professionals, at full capacity, across clinical, administrative, and support roles, thereby opening up meaningful jobs for people across the region. We have also partnered with King’s College London to establish a nursing and medical school that will help train the next generation of high-quality medical professionals in Africa.

 What partnerships or community engagement efforts are in place to ensure this centre serves broader societal needs?

We are committed to making quality healthcare available to everyone. During the hospital’s construction, we provided free health screenings for nearby communities to support early detection and care. We have also provided employment opportunities to the local community.

Locally, we work closely with government bodies and key strategic stakeholders, including the Nigerian government, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), and Bank of Industry (BOI), both of whom are equity shareholders in the hospital today. Their involvement has been essential in adapting AMCE Abuja to address the specific needs of the communities we serve, helping secure its long-term success.

Alongside these efforts, we engage with NGOs and public agencies to reach underserved populations, making sure our services are accessible to those who need them most. Together, these partnerships allow us to build a healthcare system that is inclusive, effective, and truly makes a difference across Africa.

How do you respond to concerns that such centres may only benefit the elite?

It’s an understandable concern given the significant investment, but I want to assure you that AMCE Abuja is focused on serving everyone. We have taken concrete steps to ensure equitable access to care, regardless of financial status. Through the establishment of the Africa Life Sciences Foundation (AfLSF), we have introduced programmes that make healthcare more affordable for those who need it most. The Foundation is envisioned as a sustainable mechanism to facilitate access to quality healthcare, strengthen research capacity, and foster cutting-edge research and innovation in life sciences, particularly in areas related to neglected diseases that disproportionately affect people of African descent. Through its activities, the Foundation aims to significantly enhance health ecosystems across the continent. Our goal is for AMCE Abuja to be a resource for the entire region, addressing the healthcare needs of all Africans, no matter their background. We’re committed to ensuring no one is excluded.

 How has President Oramah’s long-term vision for healthcare in Africa shaped the journey and ultimate delivery of the AMCE Abuja?

President Oramah’s long-term vision has been instrumental in shaping the development of AMCE Abuja. His deep commitment to Africa’s economic transformation includes a focus on healthcare, understanding that a healthier population is essential for driving economic growth. Under his leadership, Afreximbank has made healthcare a central part of its mission, which led to the creation of AMCE Abuja. His vision ensured that AMCE Abuja would not just be a healthcare facility, but a catalyst for sustainable growth, one that could have a positive, lasting impact on the entire region. The project reflects his belief in the power of homegrown solutions to address Africa’s challenges.