Sanwo-Olu Inaugurates Avon Medical’s Ultramodern 50-Bed Facility, Marking a Milestone in Healthcare Transformation
In a landmark event on Monday, Avon Medical Practice, an Heirs Holdings company, unveiled its state-of-the-art 50-bed hospital facility in Surulere, Lagos. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside the Federal Minister of Health, represented by the Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Wasiu Lahre Adeyemo, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi. Also present was Mr. Tony Elumelu, CFR, Group Chairman of Heirs Holdings, underscoring the significance of private-sector collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
A Vision for Accessible and Affordable Healthcare
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his keynote address, praised Avon Medical’s 16-year journey from a modest clinic to a comprehensive healthcare provider offering diagnostics, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, and neonatal care. He emphasized the critical role of private-sector partnerships in bridging gaps in healthcare delivery, stating, *“Governments cannot provide everything, but we must create an enabling environment for private investors to thrive. Avon Medical exemplifies patient investment—one that prioritizes impact over immediate returns.”*
The Governor also highlighted Lagos State’s commitment to healthcare, citing ongoing projects such as the largest pediatric hospital in sub-Saharan Africa and a mental health facility in Ketu-Erio designed to serve over 1,000 patients. He reaffirmed the state’s pledge to allocate 8–10% of its annual budget to health infrastructure.
Dr. Elumelu’s Call to Action
Dr. Awele Elumelu, Chairperson of Avon Medical, recounted the organization’s humble beginnings in 2009 and its mission to democratize world-class healthcare. *“Africa bears 20% of the global disease burden but has access to only 1% of healthcare resources. This facility is our response—a promise to leave no one behind,”* she declared.
Dr. Elumelu highlighted Avon’s integrated approach, combining medical services with health insurance (Avon HMO) to ensure affordability. She championed the philosophy of *“Africanitalism,”* urging more private-sector players to invest in solutions that address systemic challenges. *“To build a developed Africa, we must first have healthier Africans,”* she asserted.
A Collaborative Future
Both speakers underscored the importance of public-private collaboration in reversing medical brain drain and reducing the $2 billion spent annually on overseas treatments by Nigerians. Governor Sanwo-Olu commended Avon Medical for its resilience, while Dr. Elumelu honored frontline healthcare workers, calling them the *“backbone of this achievement.”*
The event concluded with a tour of the ultramodern facility, which features advanced diagnostic equipment and specialized units. The launch marks a pivotal step in Nigeria’s quest for healthcare self-sufficiency and sets a precedent for future investments in the sector.
About Avon Medical Practice
Avon Medical Practice Ltd. is a leading healthcare provider under Heirs Holdings, committed to delivering accessible, affordable, and world-class medical services across Nigeria. For more information, visit [www.avonmedical.com](http://www.avonmedical.com).
Contact:
Tel: 234-908-799-4655 | Email: [email protected]
Address: 6-8, Adedamola Ojomo Close, Off Bode Thomas Street, Surulere, Lagos.
