Expert calls for increased public, private investments in healthcare sector

Investment specialist Jeffrey Asunmonu has called for greater financial backing in the healthcare sector, emphasising the need for both public and private investors to commit more resources to biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical services, and medical technology. Speaking at a recent industry event, Asunmonu highlighted the significant financial gaps in healthcare funding and stressed the importance of strategic investments in fostering medical advancements and improving public health.

Asunmonu, a financial expert specialising in global healthcare investments, also advised the federal government to implement policies that would encourage sustainable growth and innovation in the industry. He stressed that without strategic investment, many promising healthcare companies may struggle to expand and deliver essential medical solutions.

With an extensive background in investment banking, Asunmonu holds an MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. He currently serves as an investment specialist at Deutsche Bank’s Global Healthcare Group, where he has played a role in several high-profile healthcare transactions.

He highlighted the growing financial gaps in healthcare and pointed out that many companies with groundbreaking innovations face difficulties in securing funding. “Investment in healthcare is not just about financial returns; it’s about ensuring that life-saving innovations reach the people who need them the most,” he stated.

According to Asunmonu, strategic partnerships between policymakers and investors are essential to fostering an enabling environment for healthcare companies. “The federal government must recognise healthcare as a priority sector, offering incentives that attract long-term investments,” he said.

He highlighted key measures that could encourage investment, including tax breaks, funding initiatives, and regulatory reforms that would boost investor confidence. “If both public and private entities work together, we can bridge the funding gap and accelerate advancements that will shape the future of healthcare,” he added.

Asunmonu’s experience includes advising major healthcare transactions, such as serving as a financial advisor on a $4.1 billion acquisition in the pharmaceutical sector. His work in Nigeria’s financial sector further solidifies his authority on the topic.

During his tenure at FSDH Holding Company, he co-founded a fintech subsidiary aimed at improving financial services, particularly in healthcare investment. He also managed investment deals aimed at expanding healthcare financing and securing funding from international development organisations. Before joining Deutsche Bank, Asunmonu worked with Jefferies, where he was responsible for overseeing healthcare sector investments. During his tenure, he played a key role in leading Alto Neuroscience’s initial public offering (IPO), a significant milestone for the company’s expansion and financial growth.

Asunmonu noted that healthcare investment is a long-term strategy with significant social and economic benefits. “Countries that invest in healthcare innovation not only improve public health but also stimulate economic growth,” he explained.

He urged investors to view healthcare as a sector with sustainable returns and governments to prioritise infrastructure that supports medical advancements. He pointed out that countries with strong healthcare investment frameworks tend to have higher life expectancy and lower disease burdens.

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, Asunmonu remains an advocate for a more robust investment landscape. “The future of healthcare depends on our ability to invest wisely today,” he concluded.

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