Zulum Donates Additional N200 Million to National Orthopaedic Hospital Azare
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved an additional N200 million for the National Orthopaedic Hospital Azare, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in Borno State and the North-East region.
The latest intervention increases the Borno State Government’s total financial support for the federal health institution to N400 million, following an earlier N200 million contribution made during the hospital’s take-off phase.
Governor Zulum made the announcement during an inspection visit to the hospital on Saturday, where he commended the management and medical personnel for the remarkable transformation recorded within just six months of full clinical operations.
Hospital Records Over 4,000 Patients and 300 Major Surgeries
The National Orthopaedic Hospital Azare, located in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State, has emerged as one of the fastest-growing specialist healthcare institutions in Nigeria.
According to the governor, the hospital has attended to approximately 4,000 patients and successfully carried out more than 300 major orthopaedic surgeries, including hip replacement, knee replacement, spinal surgeries, and the treatment of complex fractures.
These achievements have been recorded despite the hospital reportedly operating without capital releases or overhead funding from the Federal Government since commencing operations six months ago.
Governor Zulum described the institution’s progress as evidence that visionary leadership, professionalism, and dedication can deliver outstanding results even under difficult circumstances.
Zulum Increases Earlier Donation
While addressing the hospital management, Governor Zulum disclosed that he had initially planned to donate N50 million, but decided to increase the amount after witnessing the hospital’s impressive performance.
”As Governor of Borno State, I will continue to support this institution. Yesterday I indicated my intention to donate N50 million, but after seeing the remarkable achievements recorded here, I have decided to approve an additional N200 million to further strengthen the hospital,” he said.
The governor noted that the hospital has quickly become a critical referral centre for patients from across the North-East and neighbouring Cameroon.
Hospital Expands Beyond Orthopaedic Services
Although established primarily to provide specialised orthopaedic care, the National Orthopaedic Hospital Azare has significantly expanded its healthcare services.
The facility now offers medical care in:
Orthopaedic and trauma surgery
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Paediatrics
General specialist healthcare services
Spine surgery
Hip and knee replacement procedures
Governor Zulum expressed satisfaction that the hospital is now performing highly specialised medical procedures that previously required patients to travel long distances for treatment.
Commendation for Hospital Management
Governor Zulum attributed the hospital’s rapid development to the commitment of its Medical Director, Dr. Ramat, working in collaboration with the management of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the support of the Borno State Government.
He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the hospital and acknowledged the contributions of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and the Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
According to the governor, the appointment of competent leadership has been instrumental in transforming the institution into a functional specialist hospital within a short period.
Hospital Already Generating Revenue
Governor Zulum observed that despite operating with limited government funding, the hospital has already begun generating revenue through quality healthcare services.
He revealed that the facility now receives hundreds of patients daily from different parts of the North-East and neighbouring Cameroon, further demonstrating growing public confidence in its medical services.
He stressed that such progress highlights the importance of accountability, commitment, and efficient management in public institutions.
Zulum Calls for National Unity and Collaboration
The governor noted that although the National Orthopaedic Hospital Azare is owned by the Federal Government, its services directly benefit the people of Borno State and neighbouring communities.
He urged Nigerians to embrace collaboration across all levels of government, emphasizing that sustainable national development depends on collective responsibility rather than political differences.
Governor Zulum maintained that governments alone cannot achieve meaningful development without the dedication and professionalism of public servants and healthcare workers.
A Significant Boost for Healthcare in North-East Nigeria
The additional N200 million donation is expected to strengthen infrastructure, improve medical equipment, and enhance specialist healthcare delivery at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Azare.
The intervention further reinforces Governor Zulum’s reputation for prioritising investments in healthcare, education, and critical infrastructure across Borno State.
With increasing patient patronage, expanding specialist services, and sustained government support, the National Orthopaedic Hospital Azare is positioning itself as a major centre for orthopaedic and specialist medical care in Nigeria’s North-East.
