The medical director, National Orthopaedic Hospital Jos, Prof Inalegwu Onche, has stated that the hospital is now fully equipped to provide a wide range of specialist services.
He said such services include joint replacement surgeries, trauma and spine care, limb lengthening, reconstructive procedures, physiotherapy, prosthetics and emergency services.
According to him, the hospital has commenced full-scale clinical operations with 736 patients already registered and 150 awaiting surgery, marking a major milestone in specialist healthcare delivery across the North Central region.
Prof. Onche who was addressing newsmen in Jos yesterday described the development as a historic leap for the facility and the people it serves.
He explained that although the hospital is a federal facility, it had benefited immensely from inter-agency and intergovernmental collaboration, particularly the Plateau State Government, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
“We currently have 736 registered patients, and about 150 of them are awaiting surgery. It has been a long road to get to where we are today. Honestly, I did not imagine that we would reach this stage so soon. To say that we are now open and ready for service is truly something to thank God for.
“The last time we were here, the workforce was quite sparse, but now, all departments are fully staffed. Only a few are yet to resume because they had to give due notice at their previous places of work,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to key supporters, particularly Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, who, according to him, personally financed the construction of the access road and other key infrastructure.
Also speaking, the director of clinical services, Dr. David Wujika Ngwan, highlighted the breadth of services now active and reaffirmed the hospital’s readiness to handle complex orthopaedic cases.
Chief Medical Director of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Dr. Pokop W. Bupwatda, commended Professor Onche’s leadership and pledged continued institutional support.
“With Professor Onche at the helm, I believe this hospital will grow to become the envy of the other six orthopaedic hospitals established across the country. Starting a new institution is never easy, but we are proud of the progress so far, and JUTH will continue to stand by you in this journey of excellence,” he said.
