Lokoja: Dr Oluseyi Folagbade, Chief Medical Director of Kogi State Specialist Hospital, has pledged improved healthcare delivery and intensified advocacy for persons living with spinal cord injuries, reaffirming the hospital’s commitment to quality care and patient support.
Folagbade gave the assurance on Friday in Lokoja when the Hospital’s management received the Kogi Chapter of the National Association of Persons with Spinal Cord Injury (NAPSCI).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit fostered meaningful dialogue between the association and hospital management.
The visit featured empathy and productive discussions on the challenges faced by persons with spinal cord injuries.
Folagbade called the visit an honour and thanked the association for its solidarity.
He said he understood the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of spinal cord injuries.
The CMD assured the delegation that the hospital had the necessary personnel and facilities to address their specialised medical needs and promised quality and compassionate care for association members.
Folagbade also pledged to advocate for greater support for those with spinal cord injuries.
He stated he would continue engaging government, corporate organisations, and individuals to broaden insurance coverage and improve healthcare access.
He also encouraged the association to explore existing health insurance initiatives of the Kogi Government under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Ododo and the immediate past Gov. Yahaya Bello, particularly the Bello Care Health Insurance Scheme, which he noted could significantly help their members access medical services.
Mrs Sefinat Salawu, State Coordinator of NAPSCI, congratulated Folagbade on his confirmation as Chief Medical Director.
Salawu appealed for stronger healthcare support for their members, especially through accessible health insurance schemes.
She said many members live in rural areas, where healthcare is limited to primary facilities and may not meet the complexities of spinal cord injuries.
She thereby called for improved access to specialised medical care and insurance coverage to ease the financial burden of treatment.
In their remarks, the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Dr Adewumi Olukotun, and the Director of Administration, Hajiya Hussein, encouraged the visitors to remain hopeful and offered prayers for strength and resilience.
NAN reports that, as a gesture of goodwill, the hospital’s management presented a gift to the visiting delegation.
