By Nafisat Makinde
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has officially taken over the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare, Borno State, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Ministry’s Headquarters Office in Abuja.
This significant milestone aims to expand access to quality tertiary healthcare in the country, particularly in the insurgency-affected North East region.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for facilitating the takeover. “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,” he said.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, praised Governor Zulum’s commitment to 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.
The takeover is part of the Federal Government’s agenda to bring specialized care closer to Nigerians, reduce outbound medical tourism, and strengthen the tertiary health system. Twelve new tertiary health institutions have been created nationwide under the current administration.
The MoU signing is expected to improve healthcare delivery in Borno State and increase access to orthopaedic and trauma care for residents. Governor Zulum announced plans to construct a general hospital that could be converted to a federal medical centre, as Borno is the only state without one.
The event was attended by senior officials, including the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom mni, and Dr. Ramat Mohammed, Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Azare Hawul.
