Reps Laud Orthopedic Hospital MD Over Prudency

The House of Representatives Committee on Specialty Healthcare has commended Prof. Icha Onche, the Ag. Medical Director (MD) of National Orthopedic Hospital Jos, for prudently using the available resources.

The committee, which was in Jos for oversight function, inspected specialised hospitals, centres and schools in the city to assess the availability, adequacy and functionality of these institutions’ medical and training facilities, services, and personnel.

It also assessed the actual implementation of the 2023 Appropriations Act as approved by the National Assembly, detailed analysis of capital projects implementation and overhead releases, internally generated revenue, IGR and related expenditures within the period, staff nominal roll, and staff-to-student ratio.

Having gone around the facility donated by the Plateau State government for the Orthopaedic Hospital, which is the old JUTH site situated at Murtala Mohammed Way, the chairman of the committee, Hon. Alex Egbona, while speaking to journalists, said they had previously interacted with the medical director in Abuja on the need for the hospital’s takeoff for the benefit of the people.

“So, the inspection of the facility became necessary to have a first-hand assessment of the progress of work and to see what needs to be done for the takeoff of the hospital for the benefit of our people.

“And to our surprise, despite lean resources, the acting medical director has done well, and as we go to Abuja, we will appeal to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to make sure more funds are released for this hospital for the takeoff.”

Also speaking to journalists, Prof. Icha Onche expressed optimism about the hospital’s quick takeoff.
He said, “If you ask me when we will open our doors, I am hopeful for September, but I wish it could be earlier.

“For me, orthopaedics is a passion and a lifestyle. I am fully committed and willing to sacrifice everything to ensure the hospital takes off successfully.