By Okeoghene Akubuike
The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), Abuja, has completed its first open-heart surgery and delivered West Africa’s first Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for lung cancer.
AMCE, a world-class tertiary medical facility developed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with King’s College Hospital London, achieved the milestones barely six months after it commenced operations in June 2025.
A statement issued by Vincent Musumba, Communications and Events Manager, Afreximbank, on Tuesday, said the open-heart surgery involved a complex Triple Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), while the SBRT marked a pioneering advancement in cancer care in the sub-region.
“These achievements underscore the centre’s growing capacity to provide complex life-saving treatments in Africa and significantly reduce the need for Nigerians and other Africans to seek medical care abroad.”
The statement said SBRT is an advanced radiosurgical technique that achieves surgical-level precision, without incision.
It said the landmark SBRT case involved an octogenarian with a localised lung tumour, treated using sophisticated imaging, real-time motion tracking and personalised radiation planning.
According to the statement, in cardiovascular care, AMCE disclosed that it had performed no fewer than 10 successful cardiac interventions within its first six months of operation.
“These include coronary angiographies, permanent pacemaker insertions and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).”
It said the successful completion of the CABG procedure placed AMCE among the few centres in Africa offering fully integrated cardiac care, from advanced diagnostics and interventional cardiology to complex open-heart surgery within one facility.
The statement quoted Mr Brian Deaver, Chief Executive Officer, AMCE, as saying, “delivering our first open-heart surgery and West Africa’s first SBRT treatment represents a defining moment for AMCE and for healthcare in Africa.
“These milestones reflect the exceptional skill and dedication of our multidisciplinary teams, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that patients can access the most advanced cancer and cardiac care right here in Africa.”
Deaver added that with the oncology systems, catheterisation labs and operating theatres fully operational, AMCE was closing long-standing gaps in access to high-quality treatment.
“Our commitment remains steadfast: to invest in our people, technology, and infrastructure so that Africans no longer need to travel abroad for the highest standards of care.”
It also quoted Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director, Export Development, Afreximbank, as saying, “the milestones demonstrate Afreximbank’s transformative impact of investing in world-class medical infrastructure on the continent.
“AMCE’s successful delivery of its first open-heart surgery and West Africa’s first SBRT treatment shows what is possible when we build capacity locally.
“It reduces dependence on outbound medical tourism, helps retain vital clinical expertise and strengthens Africa’s health ecosystem.”
Doherty added that Afreximbank was proud to support AMCE in advancing a new era of health dignity for Africans.
The statement said the hospital was also preparing patients for additional complex procedures, including valve repairs and replacements, as it continues to expand its cardiovascular and specialised services.
“AMCE aims to help curb the estimated six to 10 billion dollars spent annually by Africans on medical treatment abroad, while also addressing the long-standing brain drain in the health sector, by creating high-quality career opportunities within Africa’s borders.”
It said the centre currently has a 170-bed capacity, with plans to expand to 500 beds.
The statement said the facility featured the largest stem cell laboratory in the region, 15 post-stem cell isolation rooms, three catheterisation laboratories, an 18 Mev cyclotron, and three Tesla MRI.
“It also has a 256-slice CT scanner, a brachytherapy machine with an iridium source, four biosafety cabinets and 128-slice CT machines.
According to the statement, AMCE provides services in cardiovascular care, haematology, comprehensive oncology and general medical services.
It said the 300-million-dollar quaternary-level hospital was developed to bridge critical gaps in Africa’s healthcare system and has continued to set new benchmarks for clinical excellence and medical innovation since its opening. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
