The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has advocated the promotion of health facilities in Nigeria, through the involvement of the private sector in order to abolish the culture of foreign medical tourism.
Ooni Ogunwusi, who is also the Co-Chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) stated this in a statement on Monday issued by the Director, Media Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare on the official launch of Equity Specialist Clinic and Diagnostic Centre in Lagos, billed for Monday, July 15 and 16.
The royal father stressed that, “Aside from the provision of unequaled medical services for Nigerians in line with best global practice, Equity Health Group is structured to actively participate in global medical research especially in the area of vaccine production/ development to safeguard global health.
“As the giant of Africa, Nigeria should be at the forefront in vital global medical conversations like the development of vaccines against malaria disease upon which we cannot afford to be dependent on the western world.
“While I am neither a medical doctor nor a pharmacist, I passionately believe that we have what it takes to change the narrative of over dependence on medical tourism to the developed countries. Beyond the area of research, Africa and indeed Nigeria can be a major power broker in the global pharmaceutical and medical industry.”
Speaking in a video cast in his palace at Ile-Ife, on the motivation for the Equity Specialist clinic and diagnostic center, Ooni Ogunwusi said, “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.”
