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AMCE sets sights on reducing medical tourism, strengthening cancer care in Nigeria

By Royal Ibeh

Copyright businessday

AMCE sets sights on reducing medical tourism, strengthening cancer care in Nigeria

The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the growing cancer burden in Nigeria by positioning itself as a hub for innovation, clinical excellence, and collaboration, an approach aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on outbound medical tourism.

Aisha Umar, the chief medical officer at AMCE, emphasized the centre’s holistic vision for strengthening the oncology ecosystem, at the 8th Annual Scientific Conference & Annual General Meeting of the Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria (ARCON), in Port Harcourt.

This year’s ARCON theme, “Innovation Through Collaboration: Cultivating a Resilient Nigerian Oncology Ecosystem,” underscored the importance of joint efforts in addressing the rising cancer burden.

Umar’s remarks showcased AMCE’s vision of collaboration as a driver of clinical excellence, research breakthroughs, and sustainable healthcare delivery.

The chief medical officer emphasized AMCE’s philosophy of working hand-in-hand with medical professionals across Nigeria, positioning the hospital as a hub for innovation, research, and clinical partnerships.

“We want oncologists to see AMCE not just as a healthcare facility but as a platform for shared progress. By fostering collaboration, we can expand access to cutting-edge diagnostics, innovative therapies, and training opportunities that strengthen Nigeria’s oncology capacity,” she affirmed.

Read also: Africa bears 25% of global disease burden, as AMCE calls for urgent action

Umar noted that AMCE was designed with a holistic approach in mind, combining clinical care, research, and education to ensure long-term impact on patient outcomes and professional development.

She underlined AMCE’s broader vision to serve as a regional referral center, reducing reliance on outbound medical tourism and creating a destination for world-class treatment within Africa.

“Our ultimate goal is to provide care that meets and even surpasses global standards here in Nigeria. We are building confidence that patients do not have to travel abroad to receive the best oncology care available,” she said.

The engagement at ARCON highlighted AMCE’s growing role as a catalyst for progress in oncology. With advanced facilities, highly skilled specialists, and a mission rooted in innovation, AMCE is well-positioned to become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

By sharing its journey with ARCON’s community of oncologists, AMCE is signaling its readiness to partner in cultivating a resilient, future-focused oncology ecosystem.