The Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria (SCIAN), has urged the Bauchi state government to establish a comprehensive rehabilitation centre to reduce Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) burden.
Chairman of the association in the state, Mr Iliya Ismail, said this in an interview with NAN yesterday in Bauchi.
He said the centre would provide care and support services as well as ease financial burden on the survivors.
Ismail highlighted the imperative of government intervention to create awareness about the prevention, treatment and challenges of social inclusion being faced by the survivors.
“SCI is a devastating condition that affects every aspect of human life.
“Once the spinal cord is injured, communication between the brain and other parts of the body is cut off, leading to paralysis, loss of bladder control, and other complications,” he said.
Recounting his ordeal, Ismail said he paid N115,000 for an X-ray in Zaria in 2010, while cost of spinal surgery amounted to millions of Naira.
“Therapy costs between N2,000 and N5,000 per session, a price many patients could not afford, forcing them to depend entirely on caregivers,” Ismail said.
Also, Princess Marcos, the State Women Coordinator of the association, highlighted the challenges being faced by women living with SCI.
According to Marcos, women experience double discrimination, stigma, strained relationships, difficulties in marriage and childbirth as well as constant dependence on others for their daily needs.
Marcos, who sustained spinal injury in an auto crash in 2015, lamented the high cost of essential supplies such as catheters, drugs and creams.
She said that many women die silently due to lack of access to proper medical care, and urged government agencies, religious bodies and philanthropists to support the survivors.
“With the right assistance, women with SCI can get education, acquire skills, and contribute meaningfully to the society.”