Ooni Advocates for Cessation of Foreign Medical Tourism, Unveils Hospital, Diagnostic Centre

The Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR Ojaja II, has unveiled the Equity Health Group, a pioneering healthcare conglomerate dedicated to transforming the healthcare delivery landscape with mission  to provide accessible, high-quality medical services globally, fostering wellness and medical excellence within communities. The facility was open to the public on Monday, July 1^st, 2024, and will be officially launched on July 15^th and 16^th, 2024, in Lagos State.

Through this initiative, the Ooni aims to emphasize the paramount importance of prioritizing humanity and preserving life, particularly by guaranteeing that no patient is deprived of high-quality healthcare due to financial limitations, especially during emergency situations.

This development is a direct result of His Imperial Majesty’s substantial involvement and investment in Nigeria’s healthcare sector since assuming the role of Arole Oduduwa. His commitment was particularly evident during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when he assembled a team of experts and collaborated with renowned medical research institutions, laboratories, and other organizations to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens.

In a recent press conference, the Ooni discussed the inspiration behind the healthcare conglomerate. He emphasized that the previous pandemic highlighted the untapped medical potential of the black community, particularly within the Oduduwa throne. He believes that these natural remedies, such as herbs, played a crucial role in safeguarding the community from the severe challenges faced by developed countries during the pandemic, when travel for medical care was severely restricted regardless of wealth or status.

“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 (NAFDAC), Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRID) and frontline medical research institutions in the country which brought us this far.

“I remember developing an initiative, called “Pan African Foundation for Indigenous Medical Research and Development (PAFIMERD)” 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 solution 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 endeavor 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 asking for papers or money from a dying patient.”

In reference to his involvement, the Ooni disclosed that, “to the glory of God, I am a co-owner of the company alongside a young and visionary entrepreneur named Dozy Mmobuosi. We share a common and well-defined vision of liberating the black race from excessive reliance on the Western world for medical solutions. By joining forces, we aim to establish a world-class medical institution and diagnostic center..

“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. The last but not the 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 actualizing 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.”

The Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, Ooni Ogunwusi, emphasized the importance of advancements in healthcare facilities within the country, particularly with the involvement of the private sector such as the Equity Health Group. He highlighted that these improvements would provide a convenient option for Nigerians, potentially eliminating the need for foreign medical tourism.

“Aside from the provision of unequaled 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 in 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.

July 03, 2024