By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lead Consultant at 6334 Business Services, Mr Olufisayo Okunsanya, has been appointed as the Nigerian in-country representative for Cleveland Clinic.
Cleveland Clinic explained in a statement obtained by Business Post that the appointment of Mr Okunsanya was part of broadening its network of in-country representatives and ensuring greater access to quality care for patients around the world.
Due to strong demand in growth for its services, Cleveland Clinic has increased the number of countries supported by in-country reps over the past couple of years, with 13 reps now covering 15 markets globally.
With 24/7 access to Cleveland Clinic’s Global Patient Services department, the in-country representatives can connect patients with various medical experts.
They can arrange online consultations, follow-ups and second opinions, as well as in-person treatment at the most convenient Cleveland Clinic hospital.
“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,” the Medical Director for Cleveland Clinic and Executive Vice President and President for International and Emerging Markets, Tommaso Falcone, said.
“We ensure they connect our patients with the most appropriate team of experts for their needs. The aim is to ensure a seamless patient journey from the initial consultation up to post-treatment follow-ups by leveraging the interconnectedness of our global facilities,” Falcone added
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Okunsanya said. “My role 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.
“I can educate them about treatment options and provide end-to-end support to ensure the entire process runs as smoothly as possible. I understand patients’ needs, speak their language, and can advocate for them while making sure they are fully informed about their options.”
He noted that, “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 trailed by global institutions such as Cleveland Clinic.”
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.