AMCE medical breakthrough as Abuja centre completes first open-heart surgery and delivers advanced lung cancer radiotherapy

The African Medical Center of Excellence, AMCE, has completed its first open-heart surgery and delivered stereotactic body radiation therapy for lung cancer, marking a major medical breakthrough in Nigeria’s health sector.

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The Abuja-based hospital, commissioned six months ago, said the procedures represent West Africa’s first use of SBRT for lung cancer and a significant step in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on overseas medical care.

Chief Executive Officer of AMCE, Brian Deaver, said the achievements reflect sustained investment in advanced infrastructure and specialist expertise, with early results already reversing medical tourism.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Deaver said the centre was measuring success through concrete clinical outcomes rather than systemic limitations.

He disclosed that at least seven Nigerian patients who had planned treatment in the United Kingdom and the United States returned to receive care at AMCE, while others cancelled procedures abroad in favour of treatment in Abuja.

According to Deaver, a 60-year-old patient recently underwent a complex cardiac intervention involving the placement of five stents and was discharged the following day, describing the procedure as lifesaving.

The AMCE medical breakthrough also includes the routine delivery of stereotactic radiosurgery to cancer patients, rather than as a pilot programme, underscoring the facility’s operational readiness.

Clinical Director, Dr Mohammed Ibrahim, said the centre, working in partnership with King’s College Hospital London, is already preparing patients for more complex cardiac procedures, including valve repairs and replacements.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Aisha Umar, said AMCE has evolved into a multidisciplinary facility offering cardiovascular, oncology, radiology and internal medicine services, noting that more than ten interventional cardiac procedures were completed within five weeks.

She confirmed that the progress culminated in the hospital’s first elective open-heart surgery and coronary artery bypass graft supported by a fully functional catheterisation laboratory.

Oncology Clinical Director, Dr Boules Gabriel, said the centre has recorded over 130 new cancer patients within three months, with lung cancer patients now receiving advanced motion-managed radiotherapy previously unavailable in the region.

Beyond patient care, Chief Operating Officer Anshul Govila said AMCE is addressing health workforce migration by embedding hands-on clinical training into daily operations, with Nigerians accounting for 85 percent of its workforce.

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Managing Director of Export Development, Oluranti Doherty, said the centre’s progress demonstrates the impact of local capacity building on Africa’s health system, describing the development as a decisive step towards healthcare dignity on the continent.