By Abdullahi Alhassan
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved an additional N200 million intervention fund for the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, in Hawul Local Government Area, bringing the Borno State Government’s total financial support to the federal health institution to N400 million.
Governor Zulum announced the donation on Saturday during an inspection visit to the hospital, where he praised its remarkable growth and service delivery within six months of commencing full clinical operations.
The governor described the hospital’s rapid transformation as a reflection of visionary leadership, commitment and effective collaboration between the Federal Government, the Borno State Government and the institution’s management.
“As Governor of Borno State, I will continue to support this institution. Yesterday, I announced a donation of N50 million, but after seeing the level of progress recorded here, I am approving an additional N200 million to further strengthen the hospital,” Zulum said.
The governor noted that although President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the establishment of the hospital about a year ago and it began full operations only six months ago, it had already emerged as a major healthcare referral centre despite operating without capital releases or overhead allocations from the Federal Government.
He said the institution’s achievements demonstrated what could be accomplished through dedication, prudent management and a strong commitment to public service.
According to him, the hospital has so far treated about 4,000 patients and successfully carried out more than 300 major orthopaedic surgeries, including hip and knee replacements, spinal surgeries and the treatment of complex fractures.
Zulum attributed the hospital’s impressive performance to the leadership of its Medical Director, Dr. Ramat, as well as the support provided by the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the Borno State Government, which had earlier contributed N200 million towards its take-off.
The governor also commended the institution for expanding beyond its primary orthopaedic mandate to provide specialist services in obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics and other critical areas of healthcare.
He observed that the facility had become a destination for patients from across the North-East and neighbouring Cameroon, describing the development as evidence of growing public confidence in the quality of services being offered.
“Apart from its core mandate as an orthopaedic hospital, it is now providing gynaecological services, paediatrics and many other specialist medical services.
“We have witnessed successful hip replacement surgeries, major fracture operations and spinal procedures being conducted here,” he stated.
Governor Zulum also commended the Federal Government, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the management of the National Orthopaedic Hospital for working collectively to transform the facility into a functional specialist hospital.
He said the institution’s success underscored the importance of capable leadership and strategic collaboration in strengthening healthcare delivery across the country.
Although the hospital is owned by the Federal Government, Zulum noted that it serves the healthcare needs of people in Borno and neighbouring states, stressing that national development requires cooperation among all levels of government.
He further observed that despite its limited resources, the hospital had begun generating revenue through its services while receiving hundreds of patients daily from within and outside Nigeria.
“The hospital belongs to the Federal Government, but it is serving the people of Borno State and neighbouring states.
“Development is driven by commitment, not blame. We must continue to work together as Nigerians because no government can succeed without the dedication of its people,” the governor said.
