Christopher Musa, Nigeria's Minister of Defence, has called for a stronger military healthcare system and a reduction in medical tourism by service personnel. He made the remarks during a visit to the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja, according to a statement issued on Saturday by Capt. Moses Yare, acting on behalf of the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Defence. The minister said the government is focusing on better medical screening, early diagnosis, and improved management of critical illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases.
Musa disclosed ongoing efforts to create a comprehensive mental health framework to support military personnel dealing with psychological stress from operations. He stressed the need to harmonise medical reporting systems across the Armed Forces to boost coordination and protect medical staff in conflict zones. "We must build confidence in our own institutions by providing reliable services that meet global standards," Musa said. He praised AMCE for its professional standards and advanced facilities, expressing hope that collaboration would enhance military healthcare delivery.
AMCE's Chief Medical Officer, A'isha Umar, confirmed the centre's willingness to partner with the Ministry of Defence to deliver medical services on par with international benchmarks. The visit was part of broader initiatives aimed at improving welfare and strengthening healthcare resilience within the military. The statement did not specify timelines or funding arrangements for the proposed upgrades.
Christopher Musa wants to end medical tourism while relying on a facility like AMCE, which itself serves international patients and is not a military-owned institution. His call to trust Nigerian healthcare coincides with a plan to partner with a private elite centre rather than upgrade existing military hospitals. If AMCE is the benchmark, then the military's current medical infrastructure falls far short of what's needed. This raises questions about where the investment will go—into systemic reform or selective elite collaborations.
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