In a bid to curb the growing trend of medical tourism, the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR Ojaja II, is set to officially launch the EQUITY SPECIALIST CLINIC & DIAGNOSTIC CENTRE. This new facility, a subsidiary of his Equity Health Group, is located in Lekki Phase One, Lagos. The groundbreaking medical conglomerate opened to the public on July 1, 2024, and aims to revolutionize healthcare delivery across Africa.
Nigerians currently spend between $1.5 billion to $2 billion annually on foreign medical care. Through this initiative, Ooni Ogunwusi aims to reduce these expenditures by providing high-quality medical services locally. He emphasized that no patient should be denied healthcare due to financial constraints, especially during emergencies.
The Ooni’s deep involvement in Nigeria’s health sector has been evident since his coronation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. His efforts included the distribution of over 100 motorized fumigation vehicles and equipment across Nigeria, costing him hundreds of millions of Naira. This initiative brought together medical professionals and research institutions to ensure Nigerians’ safety.
In a recent videocast from his palace in Ile-Ife, the Ooni discussed his motivation for establishing the healthcare conglomerate. “The last pandemic drew my attention to a lot of untapped medical potentials of we black people, especially here on the throne of Oduduwa,” he stated. He highlighted the importance of local herbal medicine in combating the pandemic when international travel was restricted.
The Ooni has partnered with notable institutions such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Afe Babalola University, and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRID). These collaborations have led to the development of the Equity Health Group, encompassing various medical solutions including drug manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and vaccine production.
According to the Ooni, the Equity Health Group aims to complement government efforts in revolutionizing healthcare delivery and promoting Nigerians’ well-being globally. The group’s subsidiaries include the Equity Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Equity Pharmaceuticals, and Equity Vaccine Laboratories. These entities will focus on advanced medical technology, quality pharmaceutical products, and vaccine research and development, respectively.
The Ooni also announced a partnership with visionary entrepreneur Dozy Mmobuosi. Together, they aim to establish a world-class medical institution that will reduce dependence on Western medicine. The Equity Health Group plans to expand its services beyond Lagos to other parts of Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The Ooni, who also owns Ojaja University in Ilorin, Kwara State, emphasized the importance of collaboration between higher education institutions and the medical industry. This partnership aims to enhance the productivity of graduates and strengthen the relationship between academia and practical healthcare.
As Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), the Ooni concluded that advancements in health facilities, especially through private sector involvement, would reduce the need for Nigerians to seek medical care abroad. He highlighted the potential for Nigeria to lead in global medical research and vaccine development, particularly against diseases like malaria.
“I passionately believe that we have what it takes to change the narrative of over dependence on medical tourism to developed countries,” the Ooni stated. He expressed confidence that Nigeria can become a major player in the global pharmaceutical and medical industry.