BY: ABDULKADIR M LAWAN, JULY 12, 2026/ 10:05AM
In just six months of full operation, the National Orthopaedic Hospital Azare, Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State has attended to about 4,000 patients and carried out over 300 major surgeries.
The development was announced on Saturday by Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.
During an inspection visit to the hospital, the governor announced an additional N200 million donation from Borno State Government, raising the state’s total support to N400 million.
'As Governor of Borno State, I will continue to support this institution. Yesterday, I told the management I would give them N50 million, but today I am announcing an additional donation of N200 million to further strengthen the hospital,' Gov. Zulum declared.
Although established primarily as an orthopaedic centre, the hospital has rapidly expanded to provide obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and other specialist services to meet pressing community needs.
'We have seen successful hip replacement surgeries, major fracture operations and even spinal cord surgeries being carried out here.
'Apart from its core mandate, it is now providing gynecological services, pediatrics and many other medical services,' the governor said.
According to him, the facility now receives hundreds of patients daily from across the North-East and neighboring Cameroon.
For many women in rural communities and children with trauma, fractures, and birth complications, the hospital has become the closest access point to specialist care without traveling to Maiduguri, Kano or Abuja.
The hospital’s records show over 300 major operations already performed.
These include hip and knee replacements, treatment of major fractures, and spinal surgeries, procedures critical for accident victims, the elderly, and persons with disabilities who make up a significant portion of vulnerable populations in conflict-affected areas.
Despite not receiving capital releases or overhead funding from the Federal Government since approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu about a year ago, the hospital has become self-sustaining through service delivery.
Gov. Zulum credited the progress to the hospital management led by Medical Director, Dr. Ramat, with technical support from the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.
'We can only express our deepest appreciation to Dr Ramat and his team, the Federal Government, the Honorable Minister of Health, Professor Pate, and the CMD of UMTH for identifying capable leadership to drive this institution. May Almighty Allah reward them abundantly,' he said.
He noted that Borno’s earlier N200 million take-off grant, plus the new N200 million, is aimed at strengthening expansion so the hospital can reach more women, children, IDPs, and low-income families who cannot afford treatment elsewhere.
'This hospital belongs to the Federal Government, but it is serving the people of Borno State and beyond.
'What we need is commitment. Nigerians must work together because no government can succeed without the dedication of its people,' he added.
With its expanded gynecology and pediatric units, the National Orthopaedic Hospital Azare is now positioned as a key referral centre reducing maternal and child health gaps in the North-East, easing pressure on UMTH, and cutting down medical trips for vulnerable families.
The governor expressed optimism that sustained investment will make the hospital a model for delivering specialized care to those who need it most.