Zulum Enhances Borno’s Healthcare with Landmark Orthopaedic Hospital Agreement, Pushes for More Federal Medical Centres

In a landmark move to strengthen Borno State’s healthcare sector, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) officially ceding the General Hospital in Azare, Hawul Local Government Area, to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Abuja. This transformative step not only improves access to specialised orthopaedic care but also reflects the Governor’s unwavering commitment to enhancing medical services across the state.

The signing ceremony, held on Thursday, marked the fulfilment of a promise made by Governor Zulum during a previous visit by the Director of Hospital Services from the Federal Ministry of Health. At that time, the Governor had pledged over ₦400 million for the hospital’s rehabilitation to facilitate its transformation into a full-fledged orthopaedic centre.

“This hospital will drastically reduce the burden on our people who previously had to travel as far as Kano for orthopaedic treatment,” Governor Zulum said. “With this facility in place, they can now access affordable, specialised healthcare closer to home.”

Governor Zulum extended his heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for facilitating the establishment of the hospital in Azare. He also applauded the Federal Government’s recent efforts to expand access to tertiary healthcare by creating 12 new institutions nationwide, including the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Borno.

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, hailed Governor Zulum as “Nigeria’s foremost health-friendly governor,” citing his proactive policies such as aligning state medical salaries with federal standards and hosting the 65th National Council on Health. “You are clearly a governor who understands and prioritises healthcare,” the Minister added.

Further demonstrating his forward-thinking leadership, Governor Zulum highlighted the urgent need for more Federal Medical Centres in Borno. He revealed that Borno remains the only Nigerian state without a Federal Medical Centre, despite the ongoing health challenges caused by years of insurgency.

“We are still grappling with the consequences of conflict,” Zulum noted. “That’s why we must urgently establish more medical facilities. If the Federal Government can provide five more hospitals, my administration will equip them fully to begin operations immediately.”

To that end, the Governor announced plans to construct a modern state-of-the-art hospital, designed for eventual takeover by the Federal Government as a Federal Medical Centre—an initiative he believes will significantly bridge the healthcare gap in the region.

Accompanying Governor Zulum at the MoU signing were key members of his health and development team, including the Commissioner for Health, Professor Baba Malam Gana; Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Umar Lawan Dalorima; representative of the State Attorney General; Chief Adviser and Coordinator for Sustainable Development, Partnership and Humanitarian Support, Dr. Mairo Mandara; and the Chairman of the Borno State Social Investment Agency, Hon. Yuguda Saleh Vungas.

With this new orthopaedic hospital and his continuous push for healthcare reforms, Governor Zulum is not only reshaping the medical landscape in Borno but also reaffirming his role as a transformative leader dedicated to the well-being of his people.