•Targets To Reach 2.5m Nigerians
In a move to expand its reach across the country in the provision of efficient and effective community health services to Nigerians, INVIVO, a health and wellness one-stop chain shop has opened a new outlet in his Lagos head office. The opening of the new world-class salon and pharmacy, and unveiling its exclusive service provision, is in continuation of INVIVO’S resolve to extend free medical treatments to 2.5 million people across Nigeria part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The company in a brief media chat with the press on Friday, January 25, 2019, a director at INVIVO, Mr. John Onyeguzoro, hinted that with the free medical services, it will raise the health consciousness using several of its chain shops across the country. Mr. John, Speaking to journalists at the opening of the shop, located at the popular Eric Moore, Surulere, Lagos, explained that the company has provided free medical consultation for over 62,000 patients since it opened outlets in the last 3 years in Lagos, Ibadan, and Abuja. He reiterated that the company’s aim of reaching the target demands opening about 500 outlets nationwide, adding that, the shops are structured to operate a basic model associated with primary health care that offers patient-centered, consultation-driven health and provides discreet and efficient health services.
“There are currently 4 INVIVO stores in Nigeria, which many more scheduled to open every year, and they will all run a pharmacy and treatment room with a resident doctor offering free consultations on a daily basis,” Onyeoguzoro told journalists on a tour of its outlet in Eric Moore. Onyeoguzoro stated that “according to its model, patients can get a free consultation with a staff medical doctor, who runs rapid tests—or refers out tests beyond INVIVO’s capacity—before writing out prescriptions for a drug pickup at the pharmacy.
“Staff nurses and pharmacists also provide patient care, alongside other health professionals from dermatologists who provide wellness tips and recommendations before shoppers go to the shelves.
Talking about the need for a pharmaceutical platform as INVIVO, John Onyeguzoro decried the excesses and porosity in the drug control policy in the country; he stated that one of the reasons why the death rate is on the increase is due to self-medication of most people. “People find it convenient to enter into any Chemist or shop to just tell them what they want, and without question or assessment, the drug is being handed over to them by the quack chemist.
“We noticed that people self-medicate because they believe it is expensive to consult a doctor for what they perceive as mild body weakness, so we decided to make this easy and affordable by making provision for doctors and nurses to give free medication, and also make the drugs as affordable as possible”, he said.
Mr. John in his media briefing also announced the introduction of wholesale supply for retailers in the pharmaceutical and beauty products by INVIVO. In a bid to extend the reach of our service and product, prospective retailers who are licensed to trade pharmaceutical products can now take advantage of the opportunity to make affordable drugs available to the people who, by reason of distance, could not get to any of the 4 INVIVO stores.
He also announced the introduction of Clinical Cards for people to get and access medical care for one full year. The card comes in single and family. The individual card allows for free consultation for one year, while the compact card allows the family to enjoy free medical consultancy for one year.
The card can be used at any of INVIVO stores in Nigeria.
INVIVO is managed by seasoned individuals who have spent years of their careers in the pharmaceutical sector and understands where gaps exist and to offer solutions.
INVIVO pharmacy is a patient-oriented pharmacy. The pharmacist puts in extra effort to ensure every visiting patient has excellent information and is guided on medication. In the last 3 years, there have been clinic experiences and testimonies from all INVIVO stores across Nigeria in the areas of fertility, Hepatitis, Benign Prostate Hypertrophy (BHP), Diabetes, abnormal cells and so on. Government functionary within Surulere constituency duly represented and they express their gratitude to the brand for bringing INVIVO store closer to their people.
Mr. Bamidele Sulaiman, who represented the Chairman Surulere Local Government commend the effort of the Management and Staff of INVIVO on behalf of the chairman and implore other business owners in the constituency to learn the rope from Smartmark and follow suit.
–Joseph Seun Emmanuel
