What began as a modest work-site clinic at a single location in 2009 has grown into a 50-bed ultra-modern hospital network including a dialysis centre, and several work-site clinics.
Avon Medical Practice, a company under Heirs Holdings on Monday unveiled its new ultramodern facility in Lagos Nigeria, promising affordable, world-class care to families long underserved by overstretched public systems.
At the official launch, the Chairperson of Avon Medical, Awele Elumelu, a medical doctor described the milestone as ‘emotional and fulfilling,’ stressing that the investment was inspired by the need to close critical healthcare gaps in Africa where only 1 per cent of global health resources serve over 20 per cent of the world’s disease burden.
Recalling the genesis of the initiative 16 years ago, Mrs Elumelu reflected on the challenges that sparked the birth of Avon Medical and Avon Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO).
“We could not ignore the overburdened public hospitals, the lack of modern equipment, medical professionals being stretched to their limits and the many people who simply couldn’t get medical help in time.
“We took a bold step to make world-class healthcare accessible and affordable, not just for the wealthy nor for the privileged few but for everyone.
With a growing network that includes a dialysis centre, multiple work-site clinics, and a flagship 50-bed hospital, Avon Medical says it is committed to delivering care that meets international standards, without pricing out the average Nigerian.
Bridging the health gap in Africa
Mrs Elumelu highlighted the sobering realities of healthcare in Africa, saying, the continent carries over 20 per cent of the global disease burden yet has access to only 1 per cent of the world’s healthcare resources.
She further lamented that, “Approximately 48 per cent of Africans lack access to the quality healthcare they need, only about 3 per cent of global health workers serve Africa.
“In Nigeria, the shortage of doctors, beds, and medical equipment reflects a system under pressure. The African healthcare system is the hardest hit by the migration crisis. These are not mere numbers. They represent real people, real stories and real lives.
“Against this backdrop, the newly launched facility is more than a milestone, it’s a mission. This means more women receiving proper maternal care. It means children getting timely diagnoses and life-saving treatments. It means restoring hope.”
Sanwo-Olu rallies private sector
In his special remark at the event, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu appealed to the private sector to see the government as a willing collaborator in the drive to improve healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
While urging deeper synergy between both sectors to make the state a health investment destination, he said, “We’re just two sides of the same coin. We are happy with your interventions, and we will continue to make this place work for you.”
Mr Sanwo-Olu tasked his commissioner with fast-tracking several state-led medical projects currently under construction including the Shomolu General Hospital, Ojo Medical Centre, the one in Harvey Road, and that of Kitetunyu among others.
“Let us push all of these contractors for them to be completed. They will probably just be adding to the stock of our medical intervention,” he stated.
The governor praised institutions like the Lagos University Teaching University (LUTH), stressing that much more is needed to meet the healthcare demands of Lagos residents.
He further disclosed that the state government is working to ensure the establishment of another federal medical centre (FMC) in Lagos.
Commenting on the issue of medical brain drain, the governor urged health professionals to stay committed despite the challenges. He said, “It’s not an opportunity that JAPA is a solution. No, here is the solution.”
Africapitalism in action
Tying the launch to the broader vision of Heirs Holdings, the pan-African investment group behind Avon Medical, Mrs Elumelu described the facility as a living embodiment of Africapitalism, the belief that the private sector has a major role to play in the continent’s development.
“The belief that we have a responsibility, not just to generate profit but most importantly, to create a lasting impact, to solve problems, to improve lives that will transform Africa, and I want to be clear, we are not stopping here.”
The new medical centre, according to her, is not a finish line, but a springboard. “Our vision is bold and clear, to create a network of health solutions that are not only accessible and affordable, but also world-class.
“We will continue to empower individuals to live healthier and fuller lives, and restore hope in Africa’s healthcare system. To achieve a developed continent, we must have healthier Africans. It is possible, it is achievable, and we will get there,” she assured, while commending the passion of the teams across Avon Medical, and the wider Heirs Holdings Group.
Collaboration
Acknowledging the vital role of collaboration, Mrs Elumelu thanked the Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Health for creating an enabling environment that encourages private and public sector synergy.
She also expressed gratitude to the public sector for their unwavering support, while acknowledging the daily efforts of both the clinical and non-clinical front line medical workers.
