The Ọọ̀ni of Ifẹ̀, His Imperial Majesty, Adéyẹyè Ogunwusi – CFR, Ọ̀jájá II, has inaugurated a new medical facility known as the Equity Health Group.
This healthcare conglomerate aims to revolutionize healthcare delivery.
The hospital has a mission to provide accessible, high-quality medical services globally, fostering wellness and medical excellence within communities, according to a statement.
The facility which will be opened for public use today (Monday) will be launched officially on July 5 and 6, 2024 in Lagos State.
“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,” the statement read.
“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.”
However, the Highly Revered Monarch explained that he doesn’t own the health facility in its entirety.
“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.”
Ọọ̀ni Ògúnwùsì, who serves as the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, emphasized that the development of health facilities within the country, particularly through private sector initiatives like the Equity Health Group, will offer Nigerians a viable alternative to ending the practice of seeking medical treatment abroad.
“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 Paramount Ruler said.
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