The recent opening of the American Hospital Dubai Representative Office in Lagos has been hailed by stakeholders as a significant step towards improving healthcare access for Nigerians, potentially reducing the need for foreign medical trips.
At the unveiling of the state-of-the-art facility in Victoria Island, Lagos, key figures in the healthcare sector emphasized that the new office would connect Nigerian patients with world-class care, minimizing the burden of medical tourism. Mahmoud Harbaji, Chairman of American Hospital Dubai-Nigeria Limited, highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting that it would serve as a vital link between the Dubai-based hospital and local communities in Nigeria.
The launch event, attended by prominent government officials, embassy staff, and traditional leaders, underscored the collaborative efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare sector. Among those present were Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, and the Consul General of the United Arab Emirates in Nigeria, Dr. Abdullah Al-mandoos.
Prof. Abayomi, representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, praised the initiative as a positive first step in Lagos’ broader healthcare strategy, which includes plans to develop subspecialty hospitals for advanced medical treatments. He also acknowledged the significant growth in Lagos’ GDP and its impact on the state’s healthcare infrastructure.
The new office is expected to function as a gateway for Nigerian patients seeking medical care in Dubai, with plans already underway to open additional offices and a diagnostic center in Lagos. Stakeholders expressed optimism that this expansion would make accessing care in Dubai more seamless and convenient for Nigerians.
