Governor Zulum Commends Azare Orthopaedic Hospital, Adds N200m Support

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has pledged an additional N200 million to the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Azare, located within the Hawul Local Government Area of the state. This latest commitment brings the total financial assistance from the state government to the federal health institution to N400 million.

The governor made this announcement on Saturday during an inspection visit to the hospital. He expressed profound admiration for the facility's remarkable progress and transformation, noting its significant achievements within just six months of commencing full clinical operations. Governor Zulum lauded the hospital's performance as an exemplary display of visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and astute management.

Established approximately a year ago following President Bola Tinubu’s approval, the National Orthopaedic Hospital has already provided treatment to nearly 4,000 patients. Impressively, it has also successfully conducted over 300 major orthopaedic procedures, including intricate hip and knee replacements, as well as complex spinal surgeries. This remarkable feat has been accomplished despite reports indicating that the hospital has been operating without capital releases or overhead allocations from the Federal Government.

Addressing the hospital's management team, Governor Zulum reiterated the state government's commitment to supporting the institution's continued growth. He stated, “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.”

The governor further highlighted his admiration for the rapid pace of development at the facility, emphasizing that its accomplishments within half a year underscore what can be achieved through commitment and effective leadership, even in the face of severe funding limitations. He specifically credited Dr. Ali Ramat, the hospital’s Medical Director, and her management team for this swift progress. He also acknowledged the crucial support from the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the Borno State Government, which had previously provided N200 million to facilitate the hospital’s initial take-off.

While primarily established as a specialized orthopaedic centre, Governor Zulum observed that the hospital has considerably broadened its service offerings. It now includes obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, and various other specialist medical care departments. He commended the institution for successfully performing complex procedures such as hip replacement operations, major fracture repairs, and spinal surgeries, which have attracted patients from across Nigeria’s North-East region and even neighbouring 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,” Zulum remarked.

The governor extended his appreciation to 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 transforming the institution into a fully functional referral centre. He concluded, “We can only express our deepest appreciation to Dr. Ramat and her team, the Federal Government, the Honourable 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.”

Governor Zulum underscored that although the hospital is federally owned, it plays a vital role in meeting the healthcare needs of Borno residents and those in adjacent states, thereby stressing the critical importance of collaborative efforts among all tiers of government.