FG Signs MoU For Take Over of National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare
The Federal Government has officially taken over the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Azare, Borno State, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Borno State Government.
The handover ceremony
held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, marks a crucial step in enhancing access to quality tertiary healthcare in the country, especially in the North East region, which has been impacted by insurgency.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, thanked the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration for creating an enabling environment that facilitated the take-over of the facility.
“I want to most sincerely convey my deep appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria under the distinguished leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating an enabling environment that has ensured the take-up of the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Borno State,” Governor Zulum said.
He commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, for their dynamic leadership in transforming the health sector.
“This kind of phenomenal growth has not been witnessed in recent times. Nigerians must commend you so that you do more. As Governor of Borno State, I will continue to provide the political will to ensure the sustainability of not just the National Orthopaedic Hospital but all tertiary health institutions in the state,” he added.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the hospital’s operations and assured the Federal Government that Borno would uphold the spirit and letter of the MoU.
“We shall have faith in what has been endorsed today. All other necessary documents will be provided. Borno State will continue to support the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare,” he said.
Zulum also revealed plans to construct a general hospital that could be upgraded to a federal medical centre, noting that Borno is the only state in the country without one.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako who co-signed the MoU on behalf of the Federal Government, commended Governor Zulum for his proactive partnership and support for healthcare development in the state.
“The people of Borno have long awaited this, and we at the federal level are equally excited to see this partnership bear fruit. This hospital will serve not just Borno but the entire North East region,” Dr. Salako said.
He applauded Governor Zulum’s commitment to health sector reforms, recalling his visit to Maiduguri during the National Council on Health meeting.
“Despite recent flooding, the state capital showed no traces of the disaster due to the Governor’s rapid response. His health-friendly policies, including salary harmonization for doctors and generous investment in health infrastructure, are commendable,” the Minister said.
The takeover of the hospital aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda to bring specialized care closer to the people, reduce outbound medical tourism, and bolster Nigeria’s tertiary health system. Dr. Salako noted that the current administration has established 12 new tertiary health institutions nationwide.
Also present at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, Dr. Okpikpo Okpako representing Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh, Director Hospital Services Department of the Ministry, the Borno State Commissioner of Health and officials, as well as Dr. Ramat Mohammed, Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare.
The MoU signing is expected to bolster healthcare delivery in Borno State and improve access to orthopaedic and trauma care for residents of the region who have long faced difficulties accessing specialized services.
