By Rosemary Iwunze
PRIVATE healthcare providers are expanding investments in specialist medical services as rising cases of chronic diseases, an ageing population and increasing demand for quality healthcare continue to reshape Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
The latest move came from OneHealth by AXA, which has introduced Geriatric and Optometry clinics at its Victoria Island Medical Centre in Lagos, widening access to specialised care and reinforcing the growing role of private healthcare providers in bridging critical service gaps.
Industry stakeholders have increasingly stressed the need for greater investment in specialist healthcare as Nigeria grapples with a rising burden of non-communicable diseases, while eye disorders and age-related illnesses continue to place pressure on the country’s healthcare system.
Speaking on the expansion, Chief Business Officer of OneHealth by AXA, Wahen Egbe, said the new clinics were established in response to the evolving healthcare needs of Nigerians and the increasing demand for specialised medical services.
“The addition of these clinics reflects the growing demand for specialised medical services that address the evolving health needs of people at different stages of life,” she said.
Egbe explained that the company’s decision to establish a dedicated Geriatric Clinic followed growing concerns over the healthcare needs of older adults as Nigeria records increasing cases of chronic and age-related illnesses.
According to her, the clinic offers comprehensive assessment, prevention, diagnosis and long-term management of conditions commonly associated with ageing, including hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, cognitive decline, mobility disorders and other chronic illnesses requiring coordinated multidisciplinary care.
She added that beyond treatment, the clinic is designed to promote healthy ageing by helping senior citizens maintain functional independence and improve their quality of life through personalised care plans.
The Geriatric Clinic operates every Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., providing specialist consultations for elderly patients and their families.
Also speaking, Country Manager of OneHealth by AXA, Dr. Jadesola Idowu, said the introduction of the Optometry Clinic was aimed at improving access to preventive eye care and addressing the growing incidence of undiagnosed vision problems.
She noted that many eye conditions develop gradually without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred, making routine eye examinations essential for early diagnosis and treatment.
“Our Optometry Clinic offers comprehensive eye examinations, vision screening, refraction services, prescription of corrective lenses, eye health assessments and early detection of common eye diseases affecting children, adults and older persons,” she said.
Idowu added that the clinic also provides preventive eye care counselling, occupational vision assessments, prescription updates and referrals for advanced ophthalmic treatment where necessary.
The Optometry Clinic operates from Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
The expansion marks another step in OneHealth by AXA’s strategy to strengthen integrated healthcare delivery by providing multiple specialist services within a single medical facility.
The company, a subsidiary of the AXA Group, currently offers specialist services spanning cardiology, endocrinology, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, orthopaedics, physiotherapy, ear, nose and throat (ENT), urology and endoscopy, while also operating 24-hour ambulance and radiology services to improve emergency response and continuity of care.
Healthcare analysts have maintained that sustained private sector investment in specialist care, alongside stronger public-private collaboration, will be critical to improving access to quality healthcare, reducing pressure on public hospitals and enhancing health outcomes as demand for specialised medical services continues to rise across the country.
