In a significant move for healthcare diplomacy, American Hospital Dubai (AHD) has officially launched its first representative office in Africa, marking a pivotal expansion into the continent. The new office, located on Bishop Aboyade Cole in Victoria Island, Lagos, was unveiled during the Africa Launch Event, drawing attention to Nigeria’s growing importance in the region’s healthcare sector.
The event, which was attended by an array of distinguished guests, including top government officials, healthcare professionals, and dignitaries, highlighted American Hospital Dubai’s commitment to bringing world-class healthcare closer to the Nigerian population.
Mahmoud Harbaji, Chairman of American Hospital Dubai-Nigeria Limited, addressed the audience with enthusiasm, emphasizing the strategic importance of the new Lagos office. He explained that this expansion is not just about establishing a physical presence but is a testament to AHD’s dedication to enhancing healthcare access and quality across Africa. Harbaji noted Nigeria’s significant potential and influence on the continent, stressing that the new office aims to positively impact the health and well-being of the Nigerian people.
The launch was well-attended by notable figures, including Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary at the Lagos State Ministry of Health; Mr. Dakuku Peterside, former member of the House of Representatives; and esteemed actress and director, Joke Silva. Dr. Abdullah Al-Mandoos, the Consul-General of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Nigeria, also attended the event, where he recognized the crucial support of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in making this initiative a reality. He further acknowledged the efforts of Sherif Beshara, CEO of the American Hospital Dubai Group, in bringing the vision to fruition.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, reflected on earlier discussions with Dr. Al-Mandoos about potential healthcare collaborations between the UAE and Lagos. Although progress was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Abayomi conveyed that the establishment of the AHD representative office marks a significant step forward in enhancing healthcare partnerships and initiatives.
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Abayomi reiterated the governor’s support for the initiative. He highlighted the alignment of this expansion with Lagos State’s broader healthcare strategy, as outlined in the Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP) 2052—a comprehensive 30-year development plan. Abayomi also emphasized Lagos’s substantial economic growth, noting that the state’s GDP has surged from N27 trillion at the start of Sanwo-Olu’s first term to nearly N45 trillion. This economic vitality, he explained, is closely tied to the state’s healthcare infrastructure, which the government is committed to expanding, particularly in the area of specialized healthcare services.
Abayomi underscored the need for more subspecialty hospitals in Lagos, capable of handling complex medical procedures such as neurosurgery, advanced cancer treatments, and kidney transplants. He also highlighted Lagos’s standing as one of Africa’s top cities for quality healthcare, ranking eighth on the continent.
The new Lagos office will act as a vital link for Nigerian patients seeking medical care at American Hospital Dubai, streamlining the process and making it easier to access the hospital’s services. Much like an embassy, the office will facilitate visa applications, flight bookings, and accommodation arrangements, ensuring a seamless experience for patients traveling to Dubai for medical treatment.
Tonye Princewill, a Director of American Hospital Dubai-Nigeria Limited, noted that while many international hospitals serve Nigerian patients, few invest in developing deep connections within the country. The Lagos office represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s healthcare sector and is part of AHD’s broader strategy to enhance healthcare access across the country.
Looking ahead, American Hospital Dubai plans to open a second office in Abuja and establish a diagnostic center in Lagos, further demonstrating its commitment to expanding its presence and improving healthcare services in Nigeria.
Princewill emphasized the importance of the new office, stating, “For those who want to go to AHD, instead of searching online and making inquiries, they can come to the Lagos representative office in Victoria Island. Here, officials will assist them, making their trip to Dubai much easier, from visas to flights to accommodation. Plans are already underway for a second office in Abuja and a diagnostic center in Lagos.”
