Barely one year after its establishment and only six months into full clinical operations, the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, in Hawul local government council of Borno state is rapidly emerging as one of the North-East’s most promising specialist healthcare institutions.
The federal health facility, established following the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has already attended to about 4,000 patients and successfully carried out more than 300 major orthopaedic surgeries, including hip and knee replacements, spinal procedures and treatment of complex fractures.
The hospital’s rapid transformation received a major boost on Saturday as Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, announced an additional N200 million donation to support its expansion and improve healthcare delivery.
The latest intervention raises the Borno state government’s total contribution to the hospital to N400 million, underscoring the state’s commitment to strengthening specialist healthcare despite the institution being owned by the Federal Government.
Governor Zulum made the announcement during an inspection tour of the facility, where he expressed satisfaction with the pace of development and the quality of medical services already being offered.
Although he had initially pledged N50 million to the hospital’s management, the governor said the institution’s remarkable achievements convinced him to significantly increase the support.
“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.
For a hospital that only commenced full clinical services six months ago, the scale of its achievements has drawn commendation from both government officials and healthcare professionals.
Beyond its original mandate as a specialist orthopaedic centre, the hospital has expanded its scope to provide services in obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics and other specialised areas of medicine, thereby reducing the need for patients to travel outside the region for advanced healthcare.
The successful execution of complex procedures such as hip replacement surgeries and spinal operations further demonstrates the institution’s growing capacity to provide specialist care that was previously difficult to access in the North-East.
Patients are now being referred to the hospital from across Borno State, neighbouring North-East states and even the Republic of Cameroon, reflecting its increasing reputation as a regional referral centre.
Governor Zulum described the hospital’s progress as extraordinary, noting that the institution had recorded significant milestones despite operating without 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,” he said.
According to the governor, the hospital’s success is largely attributable to the commitment of its management led by the Medical Director, Dr. Ramat, working in collaboration with the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and with support from the Borno State Government.
The state government had earlier provided N200 million to facilitate the hospital’s take-off before approving the latest intervention.
Zulum commended 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 transforming the institution into a functional referral centre within a short period.
He noted that despite operating with limited resources, the hospital has begun generating revenue through service delivery while receiving hundreds of patients daily from different parts of the North-East and neighbouring Cameroon.
Healthcare experts say the hospital’s steady growth could significantly reduce medical referrals to distant centres in Abuja, Kano and other parts of the country, while improving access to specialised orthopaedic care for millions of residents across the region.
While reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting the institution, Governor Zulum stressed that national development requires collaboration among all levels of government.
He observed that although the hospital belongs to the Federal Government, it directly serves the healthcare needs of Borno residents and neighbouring communities, making continued partnership essential.
“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.
With growing patient confidence, expanding specialist services and sustained government support, the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, appears well positioned to become one of the leading centres for orthopaedic and specialist healthcare in northern Nigeria.