By Inusa Salihu, Maiduguri
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Salma Anas Kolo has pledged that the government would leave no stone unturned in supporting the newly established National Orthopaedic Hospital in Azare (NOHA), the Headquarters of Hawul local government area of Borno state.
Kolo stated this yesterday when she led other delegations including the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Ali Mohammed Ramat. She was conducted round the facility by the Executive Chairman of Hawul, Hon. Hussaini Malgwi and other stakeholders for an assessment visit.
Recall that the new National Orthopaedic hospital Azare is one of its kind, as it is strategically situated to carter for bone related cases and other health needs of Borno communities, including neighbouring states of Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe and even African countries of Niger, Chad and Cameroun.
Early this year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cede the General Hospital Azare, in Hawul local government area to Orthopaedic Hospital was performed between the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and Borno State Government (BOSG) under the leadership of Governor Babagana Zulum who also donated over N460 million for its renovation and expansion.
Delivering her speech shortly after the assessment, Dr. Kolo, a highly experienced health professional with a remarkable track record in Health Sector Development spanning over 25 years, said, one of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of Mr. President is to ensure Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and provide quality health care delivery affordable to all Nigerians.
Dr. Kolo, a former Commissioner of Health and Human Services in Borno state, with her expertise lies in health sector policy formulation, strategic development, resource mobilisation, and implementation of various health programs at international, regional, and national levels, during assessment, described the level of preparation for take off of the new hospital as very inspiring.
Her words: ” We are here in Azare, Hawul local government area of Borno state to assess the level of Preparedness towards a smooth take off of this newly established National Orthopaedic Hospital.
“Sincerely, we are all impressed by the hospital’s infrastructure and equipment.
“This hospital will not only serve the people of Borno and its neighbouring states in the North East, but will also serve people from other foreign countries. People will be coming here to access Basic Orthopaedic care and other treatment. I can assure you that very soon, this hospital will serve as referral centre and place for tourism online with the vision and mission of the present administration.
” Let me assure that with support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we shall include this hospital in the 2025 supplementary budget to make it perform it’s functions smoothly”. She stated.
While conducting the delegation round the facility, Chairman of Hawul Local Government, Hon. Hussaini Malgwi, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babagana Zulum, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Dr. Salma Anas Kolo and all stakeholders for their unwavering support which led to the establishment of the hospital, as according to him, “is the only Orthopaedic Hospital in the region hitherto devastated by over decade Boko Haram conflict”.
He added that, his administration and support from Governor Zulum, will provide all the necessary assistance with communal efforts and ownership for the hospital and it’s staff have a conducive and peaceful environment to operate and save lives.
The Chairman therefore appreciated Dr. Kolo and her entourage for finding time to visit the hospital, which have provided them a first-hand information and practicality on the level of preparedness and take off. End
