American Hospital Dubai has joined hands with Nigerian health firm, RivExcel, to open three new medical tourism offices in Nigeria. The offices are located in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, and are expected to help more Nigerians and other Africans get easier access to advanced medical care in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This partnership is part of a wider plan to launch 30 such offices across Africa and Eastern Europe, to make UAE a top destination for medical tourism.
The three Nigerian offices will provide support for patients who need specialised treatment in areas like oncology, cardiac care, orthopaedic surgery, and other complicated health procedures. They will help patients with medical consultations, hospital bookings, travel arrangements, visa processing, and accommodation planning. The goal is to make the healthcare journey smooth and stress-free for Nigerians who travel to Dubai for medical reasons.
The official signing ceremony for this partnership was held in Dubai on January 31, 2024. The event was attended by important figures including Buti Al Mulla, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla Group, which owns American Hospital Dubai; Sherif Beshara, the Group CEO of the same group; Dr. Marwan AlMulla, CEO of the Health Regulation Sector at Dubai Health Authority; Tonye Princewill, Executive Chairman of RivExcel; and Tayyibat Mohammed, Nigerian Consul General in Dubai.
Sherif Beshara said that the UAE has worked hard to become a global leader in medical tourism. He added that the country has gained strong international trust because of its excellent healthcare services, use of innovation, and commitment to high standards. According to him, American Hospital Dubai is ready to welcome more African patients who want world-class treatment.
On his part, Tonye Princewill, the Executive Chairman of RivExcel, said the partnership was a step towards improving healthcare access in Nigeria and beyond. He said, “This partnership with American Hospital Dubai is a dream come true. We want to make quality healthcare available to everyone, especially in parts of Africa where it is lacking. These new offices in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt will serve as contact points for those in need of better medical care.”
American Hospital Dubai, founded in 1996, is one of the top private hospitals in the Middle East. The hospital has 254 beds and offers more than 40 medical and surgical services. It is known for its quality and has earned global recognition. It was the first hospital in the Middle East to get accreditation from the Joint Commission International (JCI), and its laboratory was also the first private one in the region to be accredited by the College of American Pathologists.
This joint effort by American Hospital Dubai and RivExcel is seen as a big move towards closing the gap in healthcare quality between developed and developing countries. With more Nigerians now seeking treatment abroad due to challenges in the local health system, this initiative is likely to provide a more organised and trusted option for those looking for medical help outside the country.
The move also aligns with the UAE’s long-term plan to grow its medical tourism industry and boost its healthcare sector. For Nigeria, it may help reduce the pressure on the local health system and provide better chances for patients with complex health conditions to receive timely and effective treatment.
By combining international medical expertise with local knowledge and presence, both partners believe this initiative will improve healthcare delivery and offer a lifeline to many who can afford treatment abroad but need help navigating the process.
