The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has introduced a new medical facility called Equity Health Group. This healthcare group aims to transform healthcare delivery by offering high-quality medical services that are accessible to everyone. The facility is set to open for public use today, with an official launch scheduled for July 5 and 6, 2024, in Lagos State.
Since becoming the Arole Oduduwa, the Ooni has been deeply involved in Nigeria’s health sector. His efforts were particularly notable during the COVID-19 pandemic when he assembled a team of professionals and collaborated with various medical research institutions to safeguard Nigerians.
Speaking to reporters, 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.”
He added that he formed a team of scholars and experts in both modern and traditional medicine to explore the benefits of local herbal medicine. This effort led to the creation of effective products that helped combat the pandemic.
The Ooni praised collaborations with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Afe Babalola University, and other top medical research institutions. He mentioned his initiative, the Pan African Foundation for Indigenous Medical Research and Development, which began in 2020 and has now evolved into Equity Health Group.
Equity Health Group includes several subsidiaries: the Equity Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Equity Pharmaceuticals, and Equity Vaccine Laboratories. These subsidiaries will focus on advanced medical technology, pharmaceutical products, and vaccine research and development. The facility will use locally sourced ingredients, supporting the Nigerian economy.
The Ooni expressed his commitment to providing immediate care during emergencies, regardless of the patient’s financial status. “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,” he stated.
The Ooni also co-owns the company with young entrepreneur Dozy Mmobuosi. They plan to expand the hospital to other parts of Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
He emphasized that the development of local health facilities like Equity Health Group will help reduce the need for Nigerians to seek medical treatment abroad. He believes Nigeria can lead global medical research, especially in vaccine development.