The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) has called for urgent reforms to fix Nigeria’s growing healthcare gaps. It warned that without strong policies and partnerships, millions of Nigerians may be left without proper care.
At the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Calabar, AMCE’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Aisha Umar, said the country’s health challenges are serious and require both political commitment and structural changes.
She explained that Africa carries 25% of the world’s disease burden but has less than 3% of global health workers. “These are not just numbers,” she said. “They represent mothers, children, and entire communities who are not getting the care they need.”
Dr. Umar pointed to the new AMCE in Abuja as an example of what is possible. The centre, opened in June 2025 with the support of Afreximbank, the Nigerian government, and other partners, currently has 170 beds and plans to expand to 500. It provides advanced treatment in cancer care, heart diseases, blood disorders, and surgery. The centre also serves as a regional hub for training and medical innovation.
She stressed that solving Nigeria’s healthcare crisis requires more than just building new hospitals. There must be clear policies, collaboration across different sectors, and investment in local medical professionals. This will ensure that Nigerian doctors and nurses have good opportunities at home rather than moving abroad.
“Let today be a turning point,” Dr. Umar said. “We must build a health system that works for all Nigerians, where our medical workers can thrive here at home, and world-class care is available to everyone.”
Delegates at the NMA meeting welcomed her message. They agreed that closing Nigeria’s healthcare gap is not only about money, but also about strong political will and bold reforms
