Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno on Friday announced readiness to inaugurate the multi-billion-naira, 400-bed Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital within two months.
He also instructed the contractor handling the construction of the state’s Orthopaedic Hospital to complete the work within four months.
Zulum issued these directives during a facility tour of the sites in Maiduguri.
He insisted that the teaching hospital would be completed and operational within the next 60 days.
Zulum stated that over 90 percent of the work had been completed and all necessary medical equipment and installations had been procured and delivered.
“The equipment for this hospital has been fully procured and delivered. You can see the progress; the consultant has informed us that over 90 percent of the work is done,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the remaining work would be finished within two months to enable the hospital’s immediate use.
“We believe that within 60 days, all outstanding tasks will be completed, and the hospital will be ready for operation.
“Regarding human resources, approval has been granted, and about 350 staff members have already been employed.
“We are committed to ensuring this hospital, our dream project, becomes a reality,” he added.
The governor highlighted his administration’s heavy investment in healthcare infrastructure across the state and emphasized the importance of proper management and maintenance of the new facility.
Zulum stated that the hospital would not operate free of charge but would be affordable for the poor to ensure sustainability.
“Business as usual is not an option. The main goal of any government is to serve the people, especially the less privileged.
“We must set standards for charges. We cannot charge private hospital rates, but we also cannot make everything free.
“There must be a minimum fee to sustain the hospital,” he explained.
He also stressed the importance of fully automating the hospital’s operations, especially billing and management, to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
“This hospital has the capacity to serve not only our people but also those from neighboring countries.
“It will become a referral center for quality healthcare, provided it is managed effectively and sustainably,” he said.
At the 300-bed Orthopaedic Hospital along Dikwa Road, which is 85 percent complete, Zulum urged the contractor to finish and hand over the facility within four months.
He also inspected ongoing road construction at the Maiduguri Industrial Hub.
