Sanwo-Olu Commissions AVON Medical’s New Ultramodern 50-Bed Facility

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday commissioned a new ultra-modern health facility built by Avon Medical —a healthcare arm of Heirs Holdings Plc.

The new facility — located at Adedamola Ojomo Close, Off Bode Thomas Street, Surulere, Lagos— is a bold step toward delivering patient-centered healthcare to Nigerians as the commissioning of the hospital increased Avon’s capacity to 50 beds across its network, affirming its reputation as a key private sector player in the Nigerian healthcare sector.

Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the new facility represents a collective commitment to ensuring that quality health services are accessible to all. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on the community. Together, we are making strides towards a healthier future,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He however congratulated Dr. Awele Elumelu, Chairperson, Avon Medical Practice and commended her team at AVON Medical for the world-class medical facility.

“Dr. Elumelu, I want to congratulate you as what you have done here is just a start. Yes, it’s a patient investment, but it’s God Almighty that will reward you. I also want to encourage all of the staff that please, bear with us. It’s tough sometimes, but don’t give up on us. It’s not an opportunity for JAPA to be a solution,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

“Let us build our own health institutions. Let’s reverse the over $2 billion that we say we take out on a year-on-year basis. It’s no longer just a lip service thing. It’s an investment that we all need to have. And to all of you, investment bankers that are in the audience today, please, it’s not everything that should go into those other forms of investment.

“Let real estate medical investment be your own, charge-out, your own growth, so that when you also grow old, you can look back and say that I created a facility. I want to be treated in that facility, and God will help all of us,” the governor said.

In her welcome address, Chairperson of AVON Medical, Dr. Elumelu recounted the early vision that birthed the initiative in 2019: a mission to provide affordable, world-class healthcare not only for the wealthy but for all Nigerians.

“Too many of our people are frustrated. Public hospitals are overburdened. The medical system is stretched. We could not look away,” she said.

According to her, that decision gave birth to Avon Medical and the health insurance company, Avon HMO.

“This isn’t the end—it’s only the springboard,” Dr. Elumelu noted as she disclosed that the facility represents a bold step in Avon medical journey, combining clinical expertise with empathy and innovation to create a modern access to high-quality medical care.

She stated that Avon is building a healthcare system that leaves no one behind as the company, and the wider Heirs Holdings Group will continue to empower individuals to live healthier and fuller lives and restore hope in Africa’s healthcare system.

“To achieve a developed Africa, we must have healthier Africans. It is possible. It is achievable, and we will get there. When we reflect on the staggering facts about our healthcare system on our continent, we will understand why. This is to support the transformative journey of the Nigerian health sector,” Dr. Elumelu stated.

She added; “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 diagnosis, 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.”

Dr. Elumelu disclosed that the Center will offer world-class personalised primary care for patients and their families, from new-borns to older adults.

“They also focus on providing a superior patient experience through comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis of symptoms and expert management and treatment of health conditions,” she added.

Avon Medical has evolved from a single worksite clinic into a network of hospitals, including a dialysis centre, and multiple clinics serving Nigerians.

The new facility is equipped with an Accident and Emergency Unit, a specialised Paediatric and Intensive Care Unit, and a state-of-the-art operating theatre.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof Ali Pate, represented by the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof. Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo; Lagos State Commissioner of Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi; Group Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, among other dignitaries.