Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has approved an additional N200 million donation to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, to support the institution’s expansion and improve healthcare service delivery.
Key Highlights:
- Babagana Zulum donated additional ₦200m to National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare.
- The support brings Borno’s total donation to ₦400m.
- The hospital has treated about 4,000 patients and performed 300+ surgeries.
- Zulum praised the facility’s rapid growth and healthcare impact.
- The hospital serves patients across the North-East and Cameroon.
The latest intervention brings the Borno State government’s total financial support to the federal health facility to N400 million.
Governor Zulum announced the donation on Saturday, during an inspection visit to the hospital, where he commended the management for the remarkable progress recorded within six months of commencing full clinical services.
The governor disclosed that although he had initially pledged N50 million to the hospital’s management, he decided to increase the support significantly.
“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 said.
Established about a year ago following approval by President Bola Tinubu, the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare in Hawul Local Government Council began full clinical operations six months ago.
Since then, the facility has treated about 4,000 patients and successfully carried out more than 300 major orthopaedic surgeries, including hip and knee replacements, as well as spinal procedures.
Governor Zulum described the hospital’s achievements as a reflection of visionary leadership, dedication and patriotism, noting that the institution had attained significant milestones despite not receiving capital releases or overhead funding from the federal government.
“The efforts here are truly amazing. The president 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,” he said.
The governor attributed the hospital’s rapid transformation to the commitment of its management under the Medical Director, Dr. Ramat, with support from the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the Borno State government, which had earlier provided N200 million for its take-off.
He noted that although the hospital was established primarily as an orthopaedic centre, it has expanded its services to include obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics and other specialist medical services.
Governor Zulum also expressed satisfaction with the successful conduct of complex medical procedures, including hip replacement surgeries, treatment of major fractures and spinal operations, while noting that the facility now attracts patients from across the North-East and neighbouring Cameroon.
He commended the federal government, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, the chief medical director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the hospital’s management for their collective efforts in developing the institution into a functional referral centre.
The governor further observed that despite operating with limited resources, the hospital has begun generating revenue through its services and receives hundreds of patients daily from Borno, neighbouring states and Cameroon.
While stressing the importance of collaboration in national development, Governor Zulum said the hospital, though owned by the federal government, plays a critical role in meeting the healthcare needs of the people of Borno State and the wider region.
“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,” he said.
