Borno state governor, Babagana Zulum has approved N465 million and a designated space for establishing National Orthopedic Hospital, Azare, in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno.
He announced this when he received members of the accreditation team from Federal Ministry of Health, led by the Director of Hospital Services in the ministry, Dr Jimoh Saludeen on Friday in Maiduguri.
He said that the hospital, when established, will address the pressing need for specialised orthopaedic care in the Northeast.
He added that the Borno Government would cede ownership of the General Hospital in Azare to establish the national orthopaedic hospital.
He explained that part of the N465 million he approved would be used to rehabilitate the facility.
“We have General Hospital, Azare, belonging to Borno State Government. We will move them to another location, as I have approved the sum of N465 million for the rehabilitation of the hospital. We are not only giving the hospital but including the staff quarters.
“In addition to this, if there is any need, the state government can support you in realising the dream of establishing the national orthopaedic hospital.
“The Federal Government might own the hospital, but who are the beneficiaries? who will use the hospital? the greatest beneficiaries are the people of Borno State.”
Saludeen said that the team’s visit was to assess the proposed site for the National Orthopaedic Hospital in Azare, Borno State, following the president’s approval.
He commended the governor for supporting the team and providing the needed leadership for the people of Borno.
NAN