AXA unit opens specialist clinics to tap Nigerian healthcare demand

OneHealth by AXA has opened dedicated Geriatric and Optometry clinics at its Victoria Island Medical Centre in Lagos, expanding its specialist footprint in Nigeria.

The launch reflects a broader acceleration of private capital into Nigerian healthcare. As the country's public health infrastructure struggles with capacity constraints, private operators are stepping in to capture growing consumer spending on quality medical services. This shift is largely driven by demographic changes, specifically an ageing population and a rising incidence of chronic illnesses.

For the AXA Group subsidiary, the strategy involves shifting resources toward preventive and patient-centred specialisms. The new Geriatric Clinic, which operates every Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., is designed to manage complex, long-term conditions including hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis and cognitive decline. By offering personalised care plans, the facility aims to keep elderly patients functionally independent, reducing the need for acute emergency interventions.

The Optometry Clinic targets a different segment of the non-communicable disease burden, focusing on vision problems that often go undiagnosed until significant damage occurs. Routine examinations and early detection represent a recurring revenue model for healthcare providers. “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,” said Jadesola Idowu, country manager of OneHealth by AXA.

Executives frame the expansion as a direct response to evolving market demand. “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,” said Wahen Egbe, chief business officer of OneHealth by AXA.

The Victoria Island facility already anchors a wide network of specialist services. Alongside the new additions, the centre provides care in cardiology, endocrinology, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, orthopaedics, physiotherapy, ear, nose and throat, urology and endoscopy. It also operates 24-hour ambulance and radiology services to support emergency response and care continuity.

The expansion highlights a commercial trend in emerging markets, where global insurance groups are increasingly integrating direct healthcare delivery into their portfolios. By building out specialist capacity, operators can better manage overall healthcare costs for their insured populations while generating direct medical revenue.