Diaspora Nurse Calls for Preventive Healthcare, Invests in Multi-Million-Naira Health Facility in Ondo
By Roseline Okakah
A Nigerian-born healthcare professional based in the United States, Dr Funmilayo Bandele, has called for increased public health education, stronger preventive healthcare systems, and greater investment in medical research and healthcare infrastructure to improve health outcomes in Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists in Akure, Ondo State, the founder of Julayo Health Center said improving healthcare requires a shared commitment from government, healthcare professionals, communities and individuals, rather than relying solely on government intervention.
According to Bandele, ignorance and poor health awareness remain major barriers to the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
She recounted how she discovered her father’s critically high blood sugar level after noticing a significant change in his physical appearance.
“I took a glucometer with me when I visited him and discovered that his blood sugar level was over 500. He was immediately placed on treatment. Many people simply do not know when something is wrong, which is why health education is so important,” she said.
She stressed that routine health education and regular medical screening are essential for disease prevention, noting that countries such as Canada and the United States have well-established systems that remind patients about scheduled screenings and preventive healthcare services.
Bandele also underscored the importance of continuous investment in medical research, saying many healthcare advances in developed countries are the result of sustained research and innovation.
“Research drives improvements in healthcare. Countries that invest heavily in research continue to develop solutions that improve the quality of life of their citizens. Nigeria also needs to prioritise healthcare research and innovation,” she said.
The healthcare advocate also recounted the challenges she faced while facilitating the donation of medical equipment to healthcare facilities in Ondo State through her non-governmental organisation.
The donated equipment includes modern delivery beds, a centrifuge and other essential medical devices now serving patients in public health facilities across Ondo State.
Beneficiaries of the donation include the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, and Oda Primary Healthcare Centre, Oda, in Akure South Local Government Area.
Reflecting on the experience, Bandele said the process exposed broader systemic challenges within Nigeria’s healthcare sector, including an inadequate maintenance culture, poor working conditions for health workers, limited access to modern medical equipment, and weak patient feedback mechanisms.
“The healthcare system needs repair. It is fractured. We need leadership that prioritises healthcare and systems that function regardless of who you know,” she said.
She also advocated community-based health education programmes, particularly for elderly people and underserved communities, urging governments and healthcare institutions to strengthen grassroots awareness of disease prevention, medication adherence, nutrition and routine health screening.
According to her, improving health literacy among Nigerians would significantly reduce the prevalence of preventable diseases and improve overall public health.
Speaking on the future of Julayo Health Center, Bandele said sustainability remains a top priority for the organisation.
She revealed that the centre is developing research-driven initiatives and income-generating projects to support its long-term operations without relying solely on donations.
Bandele described the health centre as a growing healthcare facility equipped with modern delivery beds, an incubator, a centrifuge, a well-stocked pharmacy, and other essential medical equipment aimed at improving maternal and general healthcare services.
“In the next five years, I believe the clinic will be much bigger than it is today. We are already looking at ways to sustain the facility and expand our services,” she said.
She disclosed plans to expand the centre’s services to include laboratory diagnostics, ultrasound services and advanced imaging.
“The dream is to continue expanding access to healthcare. We want to acquire more medical equipment and possibly become one of the first facilities in Ondo State to provide services such as MRI scanning,” she added.
Bandele explained that Julayo Health Center was established through donations and support from friends, supporters and well-wishers in the United States and has grown into a notable example of diaspora-led healthcare intervention in Ondo State.
She said her long-term vision is to expand access to quality healthcare while building a sustainable institution that will continue serving communities for generations.
“Our mission is to serve humanity. If God spares my life, we will continue to grow, expand our services and touch more lives across Nigeria,” she said.
Julayo Health Center, a modern healthcare facility with a distinct identity, is located in the Fagbote–Fapausi area, opposite Breeze FM, along the Ijoka axis of Akure, Ondo State.
The centre continues to provide quality maternal and general healthcare services while pursuing its vision of expanding access to affordable, research-driven healthcare for residents of the state.
