Felix Ofungwu, managing director and CEO of ISN Medical, believes the company's push into West Africa will help close critical gaps in medical diagnoses across the region.
During a hybrid press conference in Lagos recently, Ofungwu outlined ambitious plans for expansion. He said ISN Medical will deepen its local operations and broaden its consumer healthcare offerings.
"Our purpose is to play a leading role in the positive transformation of healthcare across Africa," he told journalists at the event.
ISN Medical already employs staff in four West and Central African countries. The company currently serves customers spanning 21 African nations.
Ofungwu disclosed plans for deeper expansion across the continent. He also revealed the company is exploring local manufacturing of medical consumables in Nigeria.
Nigeria's healthcare sector presents unique challenges, he noted. The managing director described it as one of the continent's most difficult operating environments.
Low insurance penetration is a major factor. Unlike Rwanda or the United Kingdom, Nigeria lacks widespread health coverage systems.
"The Nigerian healthcare market is complex. More than 90 percent of patients still pay out-of-pocket for treatment, and that creates pressure on healthcare providers and patients alike," Ofungwu said.
This reality shapes how ISN Medical approaches the market. Direct patient payments mean the sector is extremely price-sensitive.
ISN Medical plans to collaborate more widely on healthcare solutions. The company will participate in the World Health Expo (WHX Lagos 2026), scheduled for June 2-4.
Ofungwu stressed the importance of teamwork in tackling Nigeria's health challenges. He noted WHX Lagos isn't primarily about driving sales for ISN Medical.
"For us to get healthcare right, particularly in Nigeria we have to be collaborative there are challenges we have to find ways to work together to overcome," he said.
Judith Obi, director of diagnostics, highlighted cancer work as a priority. She said ISN Medical innovates in cancer diagnostics and research.
Beyond supplying equipment, the company supports healthcare practitioners. According to Obi, ISN Medical helps doctors achieve better diagnostic outcomes.
Ify Chioke, director of consumer health products, framed the company's mission simply. ISN Medical aims to transform Nigeria's medical ecosystem for practitioners and patients alike.
Rodolph Vetchenou, director of Life Sciences, emphasized AI's growing importance. He noted artificial intelligence is now essential in genomics work.
DNA sequencing generates enormous volumes of genetic data. Analysing it without AI would be practically impossible, Vetchenou explained.
ISN Medical already offers genomics analysis services using artificial intelligence. The company sees major potential in combining AI with diagnostics and treatment.
"When you sequence DNA, you generate a lot of data. The only way to make sense of it is by using AI.
It helps us compare genomes with reference genomes, identify mutations and understand how those mutations are linked to the clinical condition of patients," he said.
Vetchenou believes this integration will transform healthcare delivery in Nigeria. It should reduce medical errors and lower treatment costs significantly.
