The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has unveiled a medical facility, the Equity Health Group, a pioneering healthcare conglomerate dedicated to transforming the landscape of healthcare delivery, with a mission to provide accessible, high-quality medical services globally, fostering wellness and medical excellence within communities.

The facility which will be opened for public use today (Monday) will be launched officially on July 5 and 6, 2024 in Lagos State.

This was announced in a statement made available to PUNCH Online on Monday.

According to the statement, the revered monarch wishes to establish that a premium must be placed on humanity and life in particular, by ensuring no patient is denied quality healthcare due to financial constraints, especially in times of emergencies.

This development is the sequel to the monarch’s involvement and immeasurable investment in Nigeria’s health sector since becoming the Arole Oduduwa, particularly as demonstrated when the COVID-19 pandemic disease broke out, through the formation of a team of professionals and bringing together reputable medical research outfits, laboratories and other institutions to ensure that Nigerians are safe.

The statement noted that while addressing newsmen on the motivation for the healthcare conglomerate, the Ooni said, “The last pandemic drew my attention to a lot of untapped medical potentials of we black people especially here on the throne of Oduduwa, these stuff (Herbs and its likes) are what saved us from experiencing major challenges faced by most developed countries when no one regardless of riches or status could travel to seek medical attention abroad.

“I had to constitute a team of scholars particularly in the medical profession and veterans in the business/practice of the ancient herbal and alternative medicine who brainstormed on exploiting the best in our local herbal medicine, and this led to the discovery of potent solution through which beneficial products with which we combated and defeated the pandemic were discovered.

“I must hail the collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development and frontline medical research institutions in the country which brought us this far.”

He added, “I remember developing an initiative, called Pan African Foundation for Indigenous Medical Research and Development in 2020, during the celebration of African Traditional Medicine Day. All these activities have now snowballed into Equity Health Group; an international hospital and diagnostic centre with a lot of interlinked arms of medical solutions including drug manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and vaccine production among others. The best part of it is that this facility will source its ingredients locally, thereby strengthening the Naira while boosting the country’s productivity.

“Equity Health Group stands at the forefront of healthcare innovation, encompassing a diverse portfolio of subsidiaries. Through these subsidiaries, we endeavour to revolutionize healthcare delivery and promote well-being globally. At Equity Health Group, we believe in patient-centered care, innovation and integrity.

“Our watchword is to dignify human life by attending to all emergencies immediately regardless of the patient’s financial status. We will work to save lives first and not ask for papers or money from a dying patient.”

Speaking on his involvement, the Ooni revealed, “To the glory of God, I co-own the company with a young visionary entrepreneur – Dozy Mmobuosi who has a very clear and similar vision to take the black race out of over-dependence on the Western world for medicine. We combined efforts to make it a world-class medical institution and diagnostic centre.

“I am pleased to inform you that the company has three subsidiaries. The first is the Equity Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre; a comprehensive hospital and diagnostic service that focuses on advanced medical technology and personalized care. Presently, it is situated in Lagos State with plans for expansion to other parts of the country and the United Kingdom.

“The second arm is the Equity Pharmaceuticals; a company that will leverage innovative technology to provide quality pharmaceutical products and services. Last but not least is the Equity Vaccine Laboratories; an arm that focuses on research and development of vaccines for global health security. With this, we aim to pioneer vaccines to tackle pressing global health challenges and ensure a safer future for all.

“In actualising the purpose of this outfit, we shall bring on board our higher institutions of learning particularly the medical arms of reputable universities including the Ojaja University, Eyenkorin, Ilorin, Kwara State which I own. This will cement the ‘town and gown’ relationship, thereby enhancing the productivity of our graduates.”

Ooni Ogunwusi who is the Co-Chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria concluded that the advancement in health facilities in the country especially with the involvement of the private sector like the Equity Health Group, will provide a convenient spot for Nigerians to abolish the culture of foreign medical tourism.

“Aside from the provision of unequalled medical services for Nigerians in line with best global practice, Equity Health Group is structured to actively participate in global medical research especially in the area of vaccine production/development to safeguard global health. As the giant of Africa, Nigeria should be at the forefront of vital global medical conversations like the development of vaccines against malaria disease upon which we cannot afford to be dependent on the Western world.

“While I am neither a medical doctor nor a pharmacist, I passionately believe that we have what it takes to change the narrative of over-dependence on medical tourism to the developed countries. Beyond the area of research, Africa and indeed Nigeria can be a major powerbroker in the global pharmaceutical and medical industry”, the Ooni said.