Cleveland Clinic, a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that is committed to greater access to quality care for patients around the world has appointed Olufisayo Okunsanya as its Nigeria representative.
Okunsanya a well experienced healthcare manager is the lead consultant at the 6334 Business Services.
In a statement sighted by Chronicle NG, the Cleveland, Ohio based medical center believes the appointment of Okunsanya.
“As part of its continued efforts to ensure greater access to quality care for patients around the world, Cleveland Clinic is broadening its network of in-country representatives to include Nigeria.
“Cleveland Clinic’s in-country representatives are local citizens with in-depth knowledge of the latest healthcare treatments available. Representatives are able to remove language, cultural and logistical barriers to ensure a smooth patient journey for their compatriots.
“Cleveland Clinic is known for pioneering medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery, the first face transplant and first uterus transplant in the United States, as well as world firsts including deep brain stimulation surgery to restore function after stroke and the development of a vaccine to prevent deadly triple-negative breast cancer, currently in a phase one trial.
“Integrating clinical and hospital care with research and education, the health system has locations across the United States, and in Toronto, Canada; London, UK; and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.” the statement partly reads.
Reacting to his appointment Okunsanya said his role as Cleveland Clinic Nigerian representative “will be to help Nigerian patients who need or want to travel to Cleveland Clinic locations for care, but who are concerned about practical issues and language or cultural barriers”.
“Nigeria is witnessing a rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases and has developed an impressive health infrastructure to address this.
“With that being said, there are still some gaps in complex care, such as neurosurgery and new treatments for diseases that are being developed and trialed by global institutions such as Cleveland Clinic.” Okunsanya said.
Speaking on the development, Cleveland Clinic Executive Vice President, Tommaso Falcone said, “Our goal is to touch more lives and give every patient the best care and experience possible. Our in-country representatives are kept current with the range of expertise and the newest treatments available in Cleveland Clinic’s global network”
Globally, Cleveland Clinic has 23 hospitals and 276 outpatient facilities, covering a total of 140 specialties and subspecialties.
Access for international patients is enhanced through a seamless, global interface with 24/7 access portals as well as digital medicine capabilities.
Cleveland Clinic expanded its footprint to London in 2021. Cleveland Clinic Portland Place Outpatient Centre opened in September 2021 and the 184-bed Cleveland Clinic London hospital opened in March 2022. The eight-story facility treats a wide range of complex conditions, with a focus on heart and vascular care, digestive diseases, neurosciences and orthopedics.
