Avon Medicals, a subsidiary of Heirs Holdings Company, on Monday, launched 50-bed medical facility in Surulere, Lagos.
The medical edifice equipped for full diagnostics, obstetrics and gynae, paediatrics, neonatal and more was commissioned by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
In his address, Governor Sanwo-Olu harped on the need for private organisations to collaborate with the government in order to provide essential services to the public.
He commended the resilience of Avon Medicals and celebrated their milestone in 16 years.
“When we listened to the story of how it started in 2009, they did not just give up after one little clinic or one small hospital. They wanted to make an impact. They wanted to indeed make a full print of what vision they saw, what issues they will have in a critical sector like health.
“And Avon Medical, I would dare say, has put their name in the sand of time in this industry, not only in Lagos, but in Nigeria.
“I feel truly proud of what Avon Medical has done, what you’ve been doing in the past 16 years.
“We know that you started as a small clinic. You went into the health insurance scheme. But now you have grown to a full diagnostic, O&G, paediatric health facility,” Sanwo-Olu said.
In his remarks, Dr. Awele Elumelu, Chairperson of Avon Medical Practice, stated that the vision of the medical facility is to create a network of health solutions that are accessible, affordable and of world-class standard to restore hope in Africa’s healthcare system.
Dr. Elumelu highlighted the challenges faced by the health sector as overburdened public hospitals, lack of modern equipment, medical professionals being stretched to their limits, too many people frustrated as because they couldn’t get medical help; stressing the hospital’s resolve to improve the system.
His words, “we could not look away, so we decided to do something about it these problems. That single decision to step in gave birth to Avon Medical and our health insurance company, Avon HMO.
“The first, to provide excellent healthcare services, and the other to ensure that people could actually afford them. That combination was deliberate. It was our way of ensuring we were not only building facilities, but we were also creating access to them.
“Fast forward to today: from our humble beginnings of operating just a work-site clinic at a single location, we have grown into a 50-bed hospital network, including a Dialysis Centre, and several worksite clinics.
“When we reflect on the staggering facts about our healthcare system on our continent, we will understand why: Africa carries over 20% of the global disease burden yet has access to only 1% of healthcare resources.
“Approximately 48% of Africans lack access to the quality healthcare
they need. Only about 3% of global health workers serve our continent. In Nigeria alone, the gap in the number of available and qualified doctors, beds, and equipment reflects a system under pressure. The African healthcare system is the hardest hit by the migration crisis.
“And far too often, they represent women and children. Which is why this facility matters. Because now, more women will receive the maternal care they need to safely bring life into the world. It means more children will get timely diagnoses, life-saving treatments, and a better shot at long, healthier lives. It means more families will have access to quality and affordable healthcare services that they deserve.”
