By Khalid Idris Doya
The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), in partnership with the Bauchi state government, has commenced a three-day free medical outreach targeting over 5,000 residents across the state.
The outreach, facilitated by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, is designed to bring world-class healthcare services closer to the people. Services being provided include free medical check-ups, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests and investigations, medications, as well as health education and lifestyle counselling.
Speaking during the launch at ATBUTH on Saturday, the Chief Executive Officer of the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), Abuja, Mr. Brian Deaver, commended Governor Bala Mohammed for prioritising the health and well-being of the people of Bauchi State.
He noted that a programme of such scale is only possible when a government deliberately chooses to make healthcare inclusive, accessible, and a top priority.
"One challenge we sometimes see in Africa is the fear of receiving a diagnosis that was not anticipated. But I can assure you, having worked in healthcare across five continents, that early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment," he said.
Using cancer as an example, Deaver explained that while treatment success rates in the United States and many European countries average about 82 percent, the rate drops to around 50 percent in many parts of Africa, largely due to late detection.
"That is why we are here, not only to provide services but to promote a culture of routine check-ups and early screening. Our goal is to help you live long, healthy, and happy lives with your families," he added.
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hon. Hajara Wanka, said the collaboration extended beyond personnel support, noting that medical consumables and essential materials were jointly procured to ensure smooth operations.
She disclosed that AMCE arrived with a dedicated team of 12 professionals, while the Chief Medical Director and the Commissioner for Health assembled a local support team comprising 20 doctors, 20 nurses, and laboratory and technical staff among others support.
"Our target is to reach at least 5,000 beneficiaries within three days. Already, some critical cases have been identified and referred for further care. While some have been discharged after screening, others are receiving necessary treatment," Wanka stated.
In his remarks while officially flagging off the outreach, Governor Bala Mohammed described the initiative as a reflection of his administration's deliberate and strategic commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in Bauchi State.
"This outreach programme reflects our resolve to improve the health sector through purposeful partnerships and well-structured interventions to ensure quality healthcare access for all citizens," he said.
The Governor noted that the partnership aligns squarely with his health sector reform agenda, particularly in providing inclusive and accessible healthcare services to vulnerable and underserved communities.
He emphasised that beyond immediate medical services, the outreach would facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building for local healthcare professionals, thereby strengthening the state’s healthcare system for long-term sustainability.
"Healthcare delivery remains a core responsibility of our government. We have adopted a multi-layered strategy that includes upgrading infrastructure, modernizing equipment, improving workforce welfare, expanding access to essential medicines, and strengthening linkages across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare levels," he stated.
Governor Mohammed also addressed the growing trend of medical tourism, noting that many Nigerians seek treatment abroad in countries such as Egypt and the United Kingdom, often spending more on travel than treatment itself.
"We want our institutions to be equipped and empowered to provide specialised care here at home. Bauchi State is ready to develop clear modalities with measurable targets to ensure this partnership is impactful and sustainable," he assured.
He directed the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to fully integrate the collaboration into the state's health system framework to ensure continuity, structured monitoring, and long-term sustainability.
The Governor also announced that the state government would designate a dedicated hospital to anchor the partnership, enabling regular specialist visits, continuous professional training, and organized referral systems.
He urged participating medical teams to serve with excellence, integrity, and compassion, particularly toward vulnerable populations.
Governor Mohammed also commended the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, for his leadership in driving meaningful reforms in Nigeria's healthcare system under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Governor expressed profound appreciation to Mr. Brian Deaver and the entire AMCE team for their commitment and partnership in advancing healthcare delivery in the state.
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