Abuja: The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja has successfully completed its first open-heart surgery and introduced West Africa’s pioneering Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for lung cancer.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, AMCE, a premier medical facility developed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with King’s College Hospital London, reached these significant milestones within just six months of beginning operations in June 2025.
A statement from Vincent Musumba, Communications and Events Manager at Afreximbank, detailed that the open-heart surgery involved a complex Triple Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG). Additionally, the SBRT initiative signifies a groundbreaking advancement in cancer treatment in the sub-region. These accomplishments highlight the centre’s expanding capability to offer complex, life-saving treatments in Africa, reducing the necessity for Nigerians and other Africans to seek medical care abroad.
The statement emphasized that SBRT is an advanced radiosurgical technique that provides surgical-level precision without the need for incisions. The landmark SBRT case involved an elderly patient with a localized lung tumor, treated using sophisticated imaging, real-time motion tracking, and personalized radiation planning.
In cardiovascular care, AMCE has disclosed that it completed more than 10 successful cardiac interventions within its first six months of operation. These included coronary angiographies, permanent pacemaker insertions, and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). The successful completion of the CABG procedure positions AMCE among the few centers in Africa providing fully integrated cardiac care, from advanced diagnostics and interventional cardiology to complex open-heart surgery, all within one facility.
Mr. Brian Deaver, Chief Executive Officer of AMCE, remarked that delivering their first open-heart surgery and West Africa’s first SBRT treatment is a defining moment for AMCE and healthcare in Africa. These milestones reflect the exceptional skill and dedication of their multidisciplinary teams, who have worked diligently to ensure that patients can access the most advanced cancer and cardiac care right in Africa.
Deaver added that with oncology systems, catheterization labs, and operating theatres now fully operational, AMCE is bridging long-standing gaps in access to high-quality treatment. Their commitment remains steadfast: to invest in people, technology, and infrastructure so that Africans no longer need to travel abroad for the highest standards of care.
Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director of Export Development at Afreximbank, stated that these milestones demonstrate the transformative impact of investing in world-class medical infrastructure on the continent. AMCE’s achievements in open-heart surgery and SBRT treatment showcase the potential of building capacity locally, reducing dependence on outbound medical tourism, retaining vital clinical expertise, and strengthening Africa’s health ecosystem.
Doherty added that Afreximbank is proud to support AMCE in advancing a new era of health dignity for Africans. The hospital is also preparing patients for additional complex procedures, such as valve repairs and replacements, as it continues to expand its cardiovascular and specialized services.
AMCE aims to curb the estimated six to ten billion dollars spent annually by Africans on medical treatment abroad, addressing the long-standing brain drain in the health sector by creating high-quality career opportunities within Africa’s borders. The center currently has a 170-bed capacity, with plans to expand to 500 beds.
The facility features the region’s largest stem cell laboratory, 15 post-stem cell isolation rooms, three catheterization laboratories, an 18 Mev cyclotron, and three Tesla MRI. It also includes a 256-slice CT scanner, a brachytherapy machine with an iridium source, four biosafety cabinets, and 128-slice CT machines. AMCE provides services in cardiovascular care, hematology, comprehensive oncology, and general medical services.