Cover story: Expanding the oasis: Chief Anil Grover

Expanding The Oasis:

Chief Anil Grover Leads In Social Impact

No one can fully estimate the negative effects of the global pandemic that hit most cities & countries in the world. From corporate shutdowns & employee layoffs to millions of fatalities because of the virus, the ripple effects have been felt in all strata of economy and social life. As governments struggled to mitigate these negative effects amidst societal upheavals, it became imperative for organisations and influential individuals to lend a hand in the fight to keep hope afloat amongst the general populace.

The Lagos Business School Alumni Association (LBSAA) is one of such institutions that has risen to stand in this gap. The very foundation of the LBSAA is on the premise to impact society, and to create “an oasis of sanity” in society. Alumni classes took up the challenge of distributing palliatives to various communities and providing services such as health awareness campaigns and diverse medical services. Some of these activities were chronicled in our previous edition.

In this edition, we turn our focus on a one individual who is blazing the path in the mission to create societal impact and carrying his organisations along in the feat.

Chief Grover

Founder, MD/CEO, Board Chairman Grover Medical & Diagnostic Centres and Grover's Hospitals

Chief Anil Grover

Known for his approachable & humble personality, Anil Grover is a silent, powerful force in the health sector. Six years after migrating to Nigeria from Kenya, Grover (who is now a titled Nigerian Chief) completed the Advanced Management programme (AMP 22) in 2010. It was during the programme that he learnt the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility. He took up the lesson and has not looked back since. Chief Grover also concluded the Chief Executive programme (CEP 23) in 2015 and is the current class president. Chief Grover is the Founder, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer and Board Chairman of Grover Medical & Diagnostic Centres and Grover ' s Hospitals. He is a Pharmacist with a Masters' in Healthcare Management, with over 20 years spent working for Ranbaxy Inc. in Asia and Africa prior to establishing companies. He is a proud Rotarian and Chairman of healthcare projects of the Rotary Club of Lagos Island, District 9110. Grover is a member of the Executive Council of Nigeria-India Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NICCI); board member and medical coordinator of SAHBA (an Indian community); active member and ex-Vice President of Indian Professionals Forum (IPF) at the Indian High Commission, Nigeria.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in the Country, Chief Anil Grover has significantly contributed to the battle against the rapid spread of the virus in Lagos State.

He has also been the Chief Marketing Director of Mecure Healthcare Ltd, CEO of Afriglobal Diagnostic Centre, and Consultant & Advisor to various states on Public Private Partnerships (PPP) for their healthcare projects. Since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in the Country, Chief Anil Grover has significantly contributed to the battle against the rapid spread of the virus in Lagos State. He is the lead project coordinator for Lagos State Ministry of Health and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as part of his social responsibility and personal commitment to healthcare and the wellbeing of the community. Using these platforms, Chief Grover has initiated, contributed, and participated in various CSR projects aimed at improving the wellness of communities in Lagos State.

Medical Diagnostics & treatment, Cervical Cancer screening & treatment & Breast Cancer awareness

Every other month, Grover Medical & Diagnostic Centres organise diagnostic camps aimed at providing diagnostic services to the underprivileged in society who have no insurance and lack access to adequate medical facilities. In collaboration with Working Together Healthcare Foundation, (an indigenous non-profit organisation focused on health, women empowerment & education) and Rotary Club Lagos, Chief Grover's organisation facilitates Cervix Cancer screening and Breast Cancer awareness campaigns every quarter. Despite the Pandemic, they were able to continue this trend in 2020, including campaigns in Ikota and Obalende Police Barracks, aimed at female police officers and wives of police officers. About 262 individuals and 150 women, respectively, were impacted by the one-day campaigns. Cervix cancer vaccinations were administered and treatment was provided to those who had tested positive. Recognising the need for food items during this period, the organisations also supported the recipients with food palliatives during each medical camp.

In conjunction with the Indian Community in Nigeria, a 50-bed isolation centre was built

and equipped by Grover Medical & Diagnostics this

year.

Donation of Food Palliatives & COVID-19 materials

Apart from the palliatives given during the medical campaigns, Chief Grover also distributed palliatives during the pandemic through his temple's NGO, SPAN, to 200 LAWMA workers at Eti Osa local government in Victoria Island. They also donated free facemasks and hand sanitizers.

Construction & Operation of Covid-19 Isolation & Treatment centre

In conjunction with the Indian Community in Nigeria, a 50bed isolation centre was built and equipped by Grover Medical & Diagnostics this year. Located in Ajao Estate, the centre provides free ambulance services, consultation, treatment & food (if required) for the two weeks needed for proper isolation.

Cataract Surgeries

As the Chairman of healthcare projects in Lagos for Rotary International, Chief Grover has contributed both financially and otherwise in setting & operating annual eye cataract surgery camps. Medical doctors & personnel offer free surgeries and treatment to an average of about 450 people every year.

Blood Donation

In partnership with the Ministry of Health, Chief Grover and his wife, Dr Mrs Arvinder Grover, are not only regular blood donors; they also organise blood donation camps every quarter for the Lagos State blood bank. This crucial activity was supported by the Grovers to save lives in emergency situations.

Looking forward

For Chief Grover, the gratitude from the recipients of these services brings joy and satisfaction, especially for those who travel from villages with near-blindness and return with clear eye vision after the removal of cataracts. He is most passionate about reaching people who do not have access to quality healthcare. When asked what the future holds, Chief Grover expressed his desire to expand the scale and scope of these activities, and into more communities. Known for his patriotism for Nigeria, Chief Grover believes in the potential of the nation and its youth.