Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has commended the decision by the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) to support two comprehensive health centres in Rumirgo and Baga communities before he leaves office.
The Governor in a recent visit to UMTH also assured that the state government would provide the required infrastructure and facilities before the outgoing hospital management completes its tenure, paving the way for the partnership to commence.
“Before you leave office, we shall do everything possible to ensure that the required facilities are on the ground so that the partnership will be implemented. I also commend those working with you because, without the support of the staff, such achievements cannot be made,” Zulum said
While touring the hospital, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the UMTH to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in resettled communities across the state.
During the visit, to inspect drugs, medical equipment, and consumables donated to UMTH from the United States, which were transported to Maiduguri with support from the Borno State Government at the Stroke Center of the Teaching Hospital, the governor said he was impressed with the development.
Zulum disclosed that discussions are underway with UMTH and development partners to replicate the initiative across 20 general hospitals in the state, including the 10 newly constructed facilities, by attracting more medical equipment and healthcare interventions.
He commended the outgoing Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, for what he described as remarkable achievements that have transformed the institution despite limited resources even as he thanked the Chief Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr. Mairo Mandara, for facilitating the connection with the United States.
“We have witnessed phenomenal growth and development in this teaching hospital since you assumed duty. I want to assure you that posterity will judge you positively for all the good works that you have done for us in Borno State and indeed in Nigeria,” he added.
Responding the Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, also commended Governor Zulum for the N500 million intervention following the 2024 flood disaster and other invaluable support to the hospital.
He said that N75 million out of the amount was used to ship the donated equipment, which includes state-of-the-art endoscopy and ultrasound machines, ICU beds, theatre beds, incubators, monitors, dental chairs, and other critical medical supplies.
“Part of the N500 million you gave us, precisely N75 million, was used in shipping these donated items from the United States. All these items came at no cost to the hospital apart from the shipping expenses, and today they are worth hundreds of millions of naira.
“We have over 20 modern ICU beds, advanced diagnostic equipment, and many other medical facilities that will be distributed across our departments. We believe Borno State can also benefit from similar donations through this same partnership,” noted the CMD.
According to the CMD, the hospital’s standalone Stroke Centre, is the only dedicated stroke facility in the country, noting that the centre currently has nearly 100 patients on admission, most of them receiving specialised treatment for stroke, significantly improving healthcare delivery in the region.
Professor Ahmed Ahidjo would be leaving office this year after a successful two term tenure as CMD of the premier hospital in the North East country axis of the country.
He will be remembered as the first CMD in the history of the hospital to transform the infrastructure of the facility by building centres for easy access of services for both Nigerians and visitors from neighboring foreign countries.
Bodunrin Kayode
