AVON Medicals, a Heirs Holdings company, has launched an ultra modern hospital facility in Surulere, Lagos.
The 50-bed medical facility was inaugurated on Monday, by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
In attendance were the Federal Minister of Health, Prof Ali Pate, represented by the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof. Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo; Lagos State Commissioner of Health. Also present at the ceremony were the Group Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu, Lagos Commissioner of Health, Lagos State, Prof. Akin Abayomi, among other dignitaries.
Chairperson of AVON Medical, Dr Awele Elumelu, said 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.
Dr Elumelu explained the object of the facility, saying, “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.”
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.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sanwo-Olu commended AVON Medicals for the world-class medical facility.
“Dr Elumelu, I want to once again congratulate you. I want to say that what you have done here is just a start. And to encourage you, to say that, yes, it’s patient investment, but please, God Almighty will reward you.
“And I want to encourage all of her staff, that please, bear with us. It’s tough sometimes, but don’t give up on us. It’s not an opportunity that JAPA is a solution.
“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.
“So, thank you very much for inviting us. We’re indeed happy about this engagement. And I say to my other citizens, let there be another commissioning of another bigger medical facility tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow. Thank you very much, and enjoy the rest of your day.”
