A New Era in Specialist Healthcare
The newly established National Orthopaedic Hospital in Jos, Plateau State, has officially started full clinical operations. This marks a significant achievement in the provision of specialist healthcare services in the North Central region of Nigeria. The hospital is currently serving 736 registered patients, with approximately 150 awaiting surgery.
During a press briefing held in Jos on Wednesday, the Medical Director, Prof. Inalegwu Onche, highlighted this milestone as a historic step for the hospital and the communities it serves. He emphasized that while the facility is federally owned, its successful launch was made possible through collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Health, the Plateau State Government, 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,” Onche said.
He added that all departments are now fully staffed, with only a few personnel yet to resume duties due to formal notice requirements at their previous workplaces.
Comprehensive Services and Facilities
Onche stated that the hospital is fully equipped to deliver a broad range of specialist services, including joint replacement surgeries, trauma and spine care, limb lengthening, reconstructive procedures, physiotherapy, prosthetics, diagnostics, and emergency response.
“This is a single-specialty institution focusing on musculoskeletal diseases and plastic surgery, two specialties merged into one. It is, in every sense, a hospital for humanity,” he said.
He also commended Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, for his personal contribution to the hospital’s development, particularly the construction of the access road and other key infrastructure.
“Although this is a federal institution, the governor has taken it as a personal project and an investment in the health of our people,” Onche added.
Clinical Operations and Team Expertise
The hospital’s Director of Clinical Services, Dr. David Ngwan, said the commencement of full operations signified the activation of all clinical units, including wards, theatres, and the Accident and Emergency Department.
“With great joy, we are commencing full orthopaedic services, not just partial operations. Our mission is to build generations of mobile people who can walk freely without pain,” he said.
“Our team includes highly trained orthopaedic consultants, medical officers, orthopaedic nurses, psychologists, social workers, and rehabilitation experts.”
Ngwan further disclosed that the hospital has the capacity to handle paediatric orthopaedics, sports medicine, spinal interventions, arthroscopy, and prosthetic fabrication for amputees.
Support from Key Stakeholders
In a goodwill message, the Chief Medical Director of JUTH, Dr. Pokop W. Bupwatda, commended 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 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,” Bupwatda said.
