Bodunrin Kayode
Medical Director (MD) of the National Orthopaedic Hospital Azare in Borno State, Dr Ali Ramat has commended the Borno State government for supporting them with a total of N400m to support the smooth takeoff of their key activities.
The continuous support from Governor Babagana Zulum the MD noted, is to ensure that ongoing further expansion and service delivery, planned for the facility by him, comes to fruition.
The National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, Hawul council area which commenced full clinical services six months ago, has attended to about 4,000 patients and successfully performed over 300 major orthopaedic operations, including hip and knee replacements, as well as spine surgeries.
Governor Zulum made the announcement last weekend during an inspection visit to the federal health institution, describing its achievements in its first six months of operation as a testament to dedication, visionary leadership, and patriotism.
“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,” said Zulum.
The governor expressed delight that although the hospital was approved by President Bola Tinubu about a year ago and commenced actual operations barely six months ago, it has already recorded significant milestones despite not receiving capital releases or overhead funding from the federal government.
“The efforts here are truly amazing. The president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 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,” Zulum said.
He attributed the institution’s rapid progress to the commitment of its management led by the medical director, Dr Ramat, who has been supported equally by the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
Governor Zulum observed that although established primarily as an orthopaedic service, the hospital has expanded its services to include obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, and other specialist healthcare services to assist the residents.
He also commended the hospital for the successful conduct of complex medical procedures, including hip replacement surgeries, treatment of major fractures, and spinal operations, even as the facility continues to attract patients from across the North-East Nigerian region and neighbouring Cameroon.
“Apart from its core mandate as an orthopaedic hospital, it is now providing gynaecological services, paediatrics and many other medical services. We have seen successful hip replacement surgeries, major fracture operations and even spinal cord surgeries being carried out here,” the governor stated.
Governor Zulum praised 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 their collective efforts in transforming the institution into a functional referral centre.
“We can only express our deepest appreciation to Dr Ramat and his 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,” he said.
The Governor noted that although the facility belongs to the federal government, it serves the healthcare needs of the people of Borno and the neighbouring states, stressing that national development requires collective commitment rather than blame.
He further observed that the hospital, despite operating with limited resources, has begun generating revenue through service delivery and now receives hundreds of patients daily from across the North-East and neighbouring Cameroon.
“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,” Zulum said.
Image source: https://fmino.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG-20260712-WA0008.jpg
