The Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has hailed the resilience of the Chief Medical Director of Ago Medical Centre, Afolabi.
The commendation followed the fire that had razed his hospital facility some months ago.
NMA members were excited about the recovery of the facility.
They visited Afolabi, a medical doctor in the new facility.
Led by Chairman Baajide Saheed, the delegation, including past leaders, said Afolabi was an icon of the medical profession, while commending his ability to rebuild the facility in a short period despite the harsh reality in the country.
Saheed noted that the visit was necessitated by the association’s duty to stand with members in distress, especially when such challenges affect their practice and livelihood.
“We must support our members whenever they are psychologically, financially, or professionally affected.
” When I heard of the fire that consumed the former hospital and saw that Afolabi and his wife had, in months, built a new facility, we decided to come and congratulate them and thank God for making this possible.
“It is not easy to lose a hospital to fire and rebuild so quickly in this economy,” Saheed said.
He added that the coming AGM will intensify discussions on insurance and safety nets for doctors, particularly those with private hospitals.
According to him, the body is considering a Welfare Trust Fund to encourage members to embrace the indemnity and property insurance package.
“It is important for practitioners to have both, given risks associated with the profession,” he noted.
Former chairman of NMA, Tope Ojo, said the visit was a congratulatory and symbolic gesture.
He said Afolabi had served the medical community for decades, earning goodwill that enabled him to bounce back after the fire.
“The incident was tragic, but thankfully no life was lost. Within a short while, he was able to recover, largely due to the goodwill he has built with patients and colleagues over the years. Today’s visit is to celebrate him and to assure him that the association stands by him,” Ojo stated.
He stressed that the experience should serve as a lesson for other medical practitioners to ensure not just their facilities but also their equipment and staff.
“Life insurance, property insurance, and indemnity cover should be encouraged.
That way, when disasters occur, insurance companies will be compelled to pay damages promptly,” he added.
In his response, Afolabi expressed gratitude for the outpouring of solidarity from colleagues, describing it as overwhelming.
“I never expected this magnitude of support. Almost all the executives of Lagos NMA and some national officers came. I am very appreciative and deeply humbled,” he said.
He explained that the fire incident was caused by an electrical surge, but added that the new facility had been fitted with a fire detection system to prevent a recurrence. He confirmed that his new facility is also insured.
Despite the setback, Afolabi stressed that the fire incident had accelerated his expansion plans.
“I had always planned to move into a bigger facility.
“Though painful, God made a way for us to acquire this place. We are now waiting for our insurance claims to come through so we can further develop the old site,” he said.
The solidarity visit underscored the NMA’s commitment to the welfare of its members and renewed calls for stronger risk management practices in Nigeria’s health sector.
