Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the allocation of N465 million and a designated space for establishing a National Orthopedic Hospital, Azare, headquarters of Hawul local government area in southern Borno.
The hospital will address the pressing need for specialised orthopaedic care in the northeast region when established.
Zulum stated this on Thursday evening when he received members of the accreditation team from the Federal Ministry of Health led by the Director of Hospital Services in the ministry, Dr Jimoh O. Saludeen.
Zulum explained that the state government would cede ownership of the General Hospital in Azare to establish the national orthopaedic hospital. While about N465m he approved will also be used to rehabilitate the facility completely.
“We have General Hospital, Azare, belonging to Borno State Government. We will move them to another location and I have approved the sum of N465m for the rehabilitation of the hospital. We are not only giving the hospital but including the staff quarters,” Zulum stated.
Governor Zulum added, “In addition to this, if there is any need, the state government can support you in realising the dream of establishing the national orthopaedic hospital. The federal government might own the hospital, but who are the beneficiaries? Who will use the hospital? The greatest beneficiaries are the people of Borno State.”
Briefing the governor earlier, Dr Jimoh O. Saludeen stated that their visit was to assess the proposed site for establishing a National Orthopaedic Hospital in Azare, Borno State, following the president’s approval.
Dr Jimoh also commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for supporting his team and providing the needed leadership for the people of Borno State.
The delegation comprises the member representing Askira/Hauwal constituency at the House of representatives, Midala Balami, and his predecessor who sponsored the bill for the establishment of the hospital, Dr Haruna Mishelia.
The Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo and other senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Health.
The Secretary to Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani and the Chief Adviser to the Governor and cordinator sustainable development and humanitarian response, Dr Mairo Mandara were also part of the meeting.
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