By Yemisi Suleiman

In a groundbreaking move, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has unveiled the Equity Health Group, a revolutionary healthcare conglomerate poised to transform the landscape of healthcare delivery in Nigeria and beyond. With a mission to provide accessible, high-quality medical services globally, the Equity Health Group is set to launch on July 1st, 2024, with an official launch event on July 15th and 16th, 2024, in Lagos State. In this exclusive interview, the Ooni shares the inspiration behind this innovative healthcare initiative, its partnerships and subsidiaries, and its potential to address medical tourism in Nigeria. He also highlights the importance of collaboration with higher institutions of learning to enhance healthcare outcomes and Nigeria’s position in the global pharmaceutical industry.

Can you tell us about the new healthcare conglomerate that has been unveiled, what’s the mission behind it?

Yes, the Equity Health Group is a pioneering healthcare conglomerate that aims to transform the landscape of healthcare delivery. Our mission is to provide accessible, high-quality medical services globally, fostering wellness and medical excellence within communities. The facility was launched on July 1st, 2024, and the official launch will take place on July 15th and 16th, 2024, in Lagos State.

What motivated the Ooni to establish this 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. These stuffs (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. This led to the discovery of potent solutions through which beneficial products with which we combated and defeated the pandemic were discovered. I also wanted to establish that premium must be placed on humanity and life in particular by ensuring no patient will be denied qualitative healthcare due to financial constraints especially in time of emergencies.

Can you tell us about the partnerships and subsidiaries of Equity Health Group?

Ooni: We have collaborated with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRID), and frontline medical research institutions in the country. Equity Health Group stands at the forefront of healthcare innovation, encompassing a diverse portfolio of subsidiaries. These subsidiaries include Equity Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Equity Pharmaceuticals, and Equity Vaccine Laboratories, which focus on research and development of vaccines for global health security.

How does the Ooni plan to involve higher institutions of learning in Equity Health Group’s operations?

We shall bring on board our higher institutions of learning, particularly the medical arms of reputable universities, including the Ojaja University, Eyenkorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, which I own. This will cement the “town and gown” relationship, thereby enhancing the productivity of our graduates.

How does the Ooni see the role of Equity Health Group in addressing medical tourism in Nigeria?

The advancement in health facilities in the country, especially with the involvement of private sector like the Equity Health Group, will provide a convenient spot for Nigerians to abolish the culture of foreign medical tourism. Beyond the area of research, Africa and indeed Nigeria can be a major powerbroker in the global pharmaceutical and medical industry. We aim to actively participate in global medical research, especially in the area of vaccine production/development to safeguard global health.