Lagos committed to promoting private health investments, says Sanwo-Olu

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to promoting private sector investment in healthcare.

Speaking on Monday at the unveiling ceremony of Avon Medicals in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said the state has embarked on several health projects, including the maternal and paediatric hospital in Badagry and children’s hospital in Ojo.

“For us and the government in the last six years, not only were we able to solve seemingly difficult problems during COVID, but it has given us that challenge to say that never again will we allow for other people, to come and tell us, in the event of a global pandemic, how to be,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor urged those in private sector to increase their investment in the healthcare to improve access to quality health care for Nigerians.

He commended Avon Medical for its contribution to the growth of the state and the well being of its citizens, adding that the state is building the region’s biggest mental health facility in Ketu-Ejirin.

Awele Elumelu, chairperson of Avon medical, who described the new facility as a reflection of Heirs Holdings’ philosophy of Africapitalism, said the hospital was established to tackle both the availability and affordability of healthcare.

Awele noted that Africa bears over 20 percent of the global disease burden, but has access to only 1 percent of global healthcare resources.

L-R: Tony Elumelu, group chairman of Heirs Holdings, Awele Elumelu, chairperson of Avon medical and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos state governor

She thanked the Lagos government and the ministry of health for supporting public-private collaboration, adding that the new hospital would offer maternal care, and diagnostic services.

“We saw overburdened hospitals, doctors stretched thin, people frustrated at not getting care in time — and we couldn’t look away,” Awele said.

“That single decision gave birth to Avon Medical and our health insurance company, Avon HMO.”

The event also had in attendance Tony Elumelu, chairman of the United Bank of Africa (UBA), Ali Pate, minister of health; represented by Wasiu Adeyomo, chief managing director (CMD) of Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LUTH), among others.