Borno State Governor, Proffessor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called on the Federal Government to establish additional medical centres in the state to address the growing health needs caused by more than a decade of insurgency.
Governor Zulum made the appeal during the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that formalises the ceding of the General Hospital Azare to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Abuja.
The agreement paves the way for the hospital’s transformation into a specialised orthopaedic facility.
The governor had earlier announced the ceding of the hospital during a visit from the Director of Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health, in 2024. At that time, he pledged over ₦400 million for the rehabilitation of the facility.
Commending the Federal Government for the hospital’s establishment, Governor Zulum stated, “Our people often travel to Kano for orthopaedic treatment. With this hospital, they will now have access to affordable and specialised care closer to home.”
He stressed the urgent need for more health facilities in the state, citing the persistent health challenges brought on by years of insurgency.
“We still have cases of insurgency ongoing. The conflict has significantly impacted public health, making the establishment of additional medical centres not only timely but critical,” he said.
Governor Zulum also revealed that Borno remains the only Nigerian state without a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) and announced plans to construct a modern hospital that can be taken over by the Federal Government in the future.
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“Federal medical centres are essential to strengthening sub-national healthcare, especially in conflict-affected regions. If we can secure five more hospitals, I assure you that the state will fully equip them for immediate use,” he pledged.
The Governor expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating the establishment of the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Azare.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, who witnessed the signing, praised Governor Zulum’s commitment to health development, calling him “Nigeria’s foremost health-friendly governor.” He highlighted Zulum’s efforts, including the recent salary adjustment for medical professionals in the state to match federal levels.
Dr. Salako also announced the creation of 12 new tertiary health institutions nationwide in the past two years, including the new orthopaedic facility in Azare.