By Peter Omopo
The National Orthopaedic Hospital, Jos, Plateau State, has officially commenced operations, nearly four years after its establishment, offering specialized care for bone and musculoskeletal conditions.
Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Icha Onche, announced the commencement during a press briefing in Jos on Monday, revealing that outpatient services would begin fully on Tuesday.
“This briefing is to officially inform the public that we have started operations,” Onche stated.
He explained that the hospital is one of three orthopaedic centres signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari during the final days of his administration. The others are located in Benin and Jalingo, created to ensure an equitable distribution of specialized healthcare facilities across the country.
Describing the journey to operational status as challenging, Onche acknowledged the economic difficulties the country faces, which had contributed to the delay.
He emphasized that the hospital’s services are strictly limited to orthopaedic care, including the treatment of fractures, joint replacements, trauma from accidents, and other musculoskeletal issues. He clarified that the facility does not treat general medical conditions such as malaria, hypertension, or diabetes.
“Our focus is on restoring mobility and helping people regain their functionality. We are here for bone-related issues, nothing else,” Onche said, adding that the hospital aims to eventually offer advanced orthopaedic procedures as part of its long-term vision.
