American Hospital Dubai to open its first office in Lagos, Nigeria, to provide locals with access to world-class medical care and expertise from the UAE-based healthcare provider.
This initiative is part of the hospital’s expansion strategy, which includes opening 30 offices across Africa and Eastern Europe to broaden its reach in delivering exceptional medical care.
In a statement shared with Naijatraffic, the hospital’s management indicated that this expansion would enable more Nigerians to benefit from the hospital’s renowned, evidence-based medical services.
The announcement highlighted that the hospital has consistently been a go-to destination for Nigerians seeking healthcare, due to its high-quality, evidence-based treatments and culturally sensitive care provided by top doctors and experts.
According to a quarterly statistical report from the Central Bank of Nigeria for Q1 2023, the country’s spending on medical tourism increased by over 40 percent.
Many Nigerian leaders and politicians often travel abroad for medical services, reflecting issues within the health sector such as inadequate primary healthcare, poor facilities, brain drain, and disease outbreaks.
It is noteworthy that former President Muhammadu Buhari made numerous trips abroad for medical care.
Regarding the expansion plans in Nigeria, Sherif Beshara, Group Chief Executive Officer of American Hospital Dubai, stated that the establishment of the Lagos representative office would help meet the needs of more Nigerians seeking reliable and affordable healthcare options overseas.
Beshara explained that in addition to serving as a point of contact for medical treatments at American Hospital Dubai, the Lagos office would facilitate local community interactions and host online seminars for knowledge exchange with Nigerian healthcare professionals.
He emphasized that the hospital’s community outreach programs, including education, empowerment, and awareness initiatives, are crucial to its mission of giving back, and the new Lagos office will actively connect with both the local community and healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
Beshara explained, “The UAE has consolidated its position as one of the premier global medical tourism destinations. It enjoys a growing international trust in the healthcare sector, excelling in delivering distinctive experiences and launching numerous initiatives to attract global medical tourists. The UAE’s expertise, innovation, high healthcare standards, and collaborations enhance its international standing in this field.
“American Hospital Dubai is committed to providing advanced medical technologies and collaborating with global experts in life sciences. It reflects our dedication to innovation, cutting-edge, multi-specialty healthcare services, and our commitment to patient safety and satisfaction.”
He further emphasized, “Another significant feature of the Lagos representative office is its dedicated travel desk, which will design the most affordable treatment packages exclusively for Nigerian patients seeking care at American Hospital Dubai.
“It will also provide complete support with their travel arrangements. Travel between Nigeria and the UAE has resumed after the lifting of the ban by the UAE government earlier this year”,
He guaranteed that the hospital’s International Patient Team would provide 24/7 support, guiding patients and their families through every step, from consultations to scheduling appointments with specialists and arranging referrals, ensuring a seamless experience.
“ The International Patient Team also provides visa assistance, air travel arrangements, and hotel accommodations, with access to the hospital’s specialist doctors for comprehensive virtual consultations and addressing inquiries before patients arrive in the UAE”, he added.
Further speaking, a Board Member of American Hospital Nigeria, Prince Tonye Princewill, noted, “No hospital has taken the steps that the AHD is taking.
“From their investment plan for the country to their capacity building initiatives, list of equipment to be delivered, and the overall rollout timetable for Nigeria, it is clear their commitment is unrivalled.
“At the rate they are going, it is the healthcare system of the country that will be a net beneficiary. We need to encourage investors like them and I’m glad for the reception they are getting.”
