From Abdullahi Alhassan, Borno
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in the state, following an inspection of major hospital projects under construction in Maiduguri.
During the visit, Governor Zulum inspected the 400-bed capacity hospital at Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, one of the flagship health projects of his administration.
The inspection formed part of his ongoing assessment of key infrastructure projects across the state.
Speaking to journalists after touring the facility, the governor disclosed that more than 90 percent of the work had been completed and expressed confidence that the hospital would be ready for operation within the next 60 days.
According to him, all medical equipment and installations required for the facility have already been procured and delivered.
“The equipment meant for this hospital has all been purchased and delivered. The consultant has informed us that over 90 percent of the work has been completed, and we believe the remaining aspects will be concluded within the next 60 days,” he said.
Zulum further revealed that approval had been granted for the recruitment of about 350 health workers to ensure the smooth take-off of services once the facility becomes operational.
The governor described the hospital as a dream project capable of transforming healthcare delivery in Borno and beyond.
Read Also: Cholera: Borno Orders Immediate Activation of School Safety Protocols
He noted that the state government would adopt a management model that balances affordability with sustainability.
While emphasizing the need to make healthcare accessible to residents, Zulum said the facility would not operate entirely free of charge, stressing that reasonable cost-recovery measures were necessary to guarantee long-term maintenance and quality service delivery.
He also directed that the hospital’s operations, including billing and management systems, be fully automated to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
According to him, the facility has the potential to serve as a regional referral centre for patients from neighbouring states and countries.
The governor also inspected the 300-bed State Orthopedic Hospital along Dikwa Road, which is about 85 percent completed, and directed that work be completed within four months.
He further assessed the ongoing road network construction at the Maiduguri Industrial Hub.