Gov Zulum donates additional N200m to Orthopaedic Hospital

Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced an additional donation of N200 million from the coffers of the State Government to support the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare’s further expansion and service delivery, bringing the State’s total contribution to N400 million.

The National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, Hawul local government, which commenced full clinical services six months ago, has attended to about 4,000 patients and successfully performed over 300 major orthopaedic operations, including hip and knee replacements, as well as spine surgeries.

The Governor made the announcement on Saturday during an inspection visit to the federal health institution, describing its achievements in its first six months of operation as a testament to dedication, visionary leadership, and patriotism.

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“As Governor of Borno State, I will continue to support this institution. Yesterday, I told the management I would give them N50 million, but today I am announcing an additional donation of N200 million to further strengthen the hospital,” he declared.

The Governor noted that although the hospital was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu about a year ago and commenced operations barely six months ago, it has already recorded significant milestones despite not receiving capital releases or overhead funding from the Federal Government.

“The efforts here are truly amazing. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria approved the establishment of this National Orthopaedic Hospital about a year ago, and the hospital began operations only about six months ago. Yet, despite not receiving capital releases or overhead funding from the Federation, you can see the wonders that commitment has achieved,” Babagana Zulum said.

He attributed the institution’s rapid progress to the commitment of its management led by the Medical Director, Dr Ramat, with support from the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and Borno State Government, which had earlier contributed N200 million towards the hospital’s take-off.

Babagana Zulum observed that although established primarily as an orthopaedic service, the hospital has expanded its services to include obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and other specialist healthcare services.

He also expressed delight at the successful conduct of complex medical procedures, including hip replacement surgeries, treatment of major fractures, and spinal operations, while attracting patients from across the North-East and neighboring Cameroon.

“Apart from its core mandate as an orthopaedic hospital, it is now providing gynecological services, pediatrics and many other medical services. We have seen successful hip replacement surgeries, major fracture operations and even spinal cord surgeries being carried out here,” the Governor stated.

Babagana Zulum praised the Federal Government, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the hospital’s management for their collective efforts in transforming the institution into a functional referral centre.

“We can only express our deepest appreciation to Dr Ramat and his team, the Federal Government, the Honorable Minister of Health, Professor Pate, and the CMD of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for identifying capable leadership to drive this institution. May Almighty Allah reward them abundantly,” he said.

The Governor noted that although the facility belongs to the Federal Government, it serves the healthcare needs of the people of Borno and the neighboring states, stressing that national development requires collective commitment rather than blame.

He further observed that the hospital, despite operating with limited resources, has begun generating revenue through service delivery and now receives hundreds of patients daily from across the North-East and neighboring Cameroon.

“This hospital belongs to the Federal Government, but it is serving the people of Borno State and beyond. What we need is commitment. Nigerians must work together because no government can succeed without the dedication of its people. Above all, we must remember that we are Nigerians first, and together we can move our country forward,” Babagana Zulum said.