By Sanee Yarima
The National Orthopaedic Hospital Jalingo is planning to engage more specialists to enhance service delivery to Nigerians, particularly in the Northeastern region.
The Medical Director, Prof. Chubado Tahir, disclosed this to journalists in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State.
Prof. Tahir explained that the initiative to hire more experts in various specializations aims to transform the hospital into a training centre.
He also mentioned that the North East Development Commission (NEDC) has expressed its intention to assist the hospital in constructing some structures at its permanent site.
“The permanent site has been identified, but we need to secure the land with perimeter fencing and urgently begin construction there,” he stated.
Prof. Tahir emphasized the necessity for interventions from donor agencies and philanthropists to ensure the hospital can effectively compete with other orthopaedic facilities worldwide once completed.
He also highlighted the importance of equipping the laboratory and radiology departments.
Under Prof. Tahir’s leadership, the hospital has already constructed new facilities and renovated existing ones, including the doctor’s room at the temporary site.
“Initially, I didn’t have an office; I would come in and move around while leaving a small area for the few staff members, especially in the Accounts section,” he revealed.
Additionally, Prof. Tahir explained that some dilapidated structures were restructured, combining rooms to create larger spaces for wards and administrative offices.
“We also made some extensions and created a doctor’s room for those on call, as they need a place to rest during emergencies. These improvements have significantly enhanced our healthcare delivery services,” he added.
It is worth noting that Governor Agbu Kefas donated a temporary site to the National Orthopaedic Hospital Jalingo, located on the premises of the Taraba State Specialists Hospital Jalingo, as part of the state government’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery.
Furthermore, the National Orthopaedic Hospital Jalingo is the fourth such facility in Nigeria, established in 2023 by the Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Amendment Act, which was signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
