Gov’t supports healthcare project to mitigate medical tourism

As part of measures to help mitigate medical tourism, the FCT Administration, has declared readiness to provide the necessary support for the successful completion and operation of the African Medical Center of Excellence, a state of the art healthcare project in Abuja.
According to the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, revealed this commitment during a a recent tour of the Medical Centre , billed to be operational in early 2025, it will also reduce the prevailing healthcare worker migration.
Mahmoud noted that the partnership between the African Export-Import Bank and Kings College Hospital London to establish the 170-bed hospital was a testament to the commitment to advancing clinical care, training, and research in specialty areas such as oncology, cardiovascular services, hematology, diagnostics, and general medical services.
She added; “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 1,000 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.”
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer, African Medical Center of Excellence, Mr. Brian Deaver, commended the FCT Administration for the strategic partnership.
He informed the minister that the management staff of the medical centre are looking forward to further contributions of the Administration to improvement in the management of non communicable diseases in the territory.
Deaver opined that the potential benefits of the location of this hospital in Abuja is significant.
He also expressed confidence that the partnership would yield positive outcomes for the healthcare sector in the region.