Dr Oluseyi Folagbade, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, has reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare and stronger advocacy for persons living with spinal cord injuries.
Folagbade gave the assurance on Friday in Lokoja when the hospital management received a delegation from the Kogi Chapter of the National Association of Persons with Spinal Cord Injury (NAPSCI).
The visit provided an opportunity for a heartfelt engagement between the association and the hospital management, marked by empathy and constructive discussions on the challenges faced by persons living with spinal cord injuries.
The CMD described the visit as an honor and expressed appreciation to the association for their show of solidarity.
As a medical practitioner, he said he is well aware of the physical, emotional, and financial burdens associated with spinal cord injuries.
Folagbade assured the delegation that the hospital has the necessary personnel and facilities to meet their specialized medical needs and promised that association members would always receive quality, compassionate care at the facility.
He further pledged to champion advocacy for improved support for persons living with spinal cord injuries, vowing to engage government, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to expand insurance coverage and enhance healthcare access.
He encouraged the association to explore existing health insurance initiatives under the Kogi State Government, particularly the Bello Care Health Insurance Scheme introduced during the administration of former Governor Yahaya Bello and continued under Governor Ahmed Ododo, which could significantly ease the cost of medical services for their members.
Mrs Sefinat Salawu, State Coordinator of NAPSCI, congratulated Dr Folagbade on his confirmation as substantive CMD of the hospital.
She appealed for enhanced healthcare support for members, especially through more accessible health insurance schemes.
Salawu noted that many members reside in rural communities where access is limited to primary health facilities that often cannot adequately address the complexities of spinal cord injuries.
She called for improved access to specialized medical care and insurance coverage to reduce 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.
As a gesture of goodwill, the hospital management presented a gift to the visiting delegation.
