The National Orthopaedic Hospital in Jos has officially unveiled a full spectrum of orthopaedic services, representing a significant milestone in healthcare advancement for Nigeria’s North Central zone.
At a press briefing held on Wednesday in Jos, Medical Director Icha Inalegwu Onche provided an overview of the hospital’s progress and development.
Onche recounted the hurdles faced since the hospital’s enabling legislation was passed in July 2021, his appointment as Medical Director in 2023, and his subsequent confirmation as the permanent Medical Director in November 2024.
He extended sincere appreciation to the Federal Government, Plateau State officials, and numerous collaborators whose unwavering support was crucial in realizing this project.
“Currently, we have 736 patients registered, with around 150 individuals awaiting surgical intervention,” Onche revealed.
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The Medical Director emphasized that the hospital is now fully equipped and staffed to provide expert musculoskeletal and reconstructive surgical care. Every clinical department is operational and manned by skilled healthcare professionals.
He also expressed optimism that the institution will grow into a premier hub for orthopaedic training and research, fostering the development of future specialists in the field.
David Wujika Ngwan, Director of Clinical Services, outlined the broad range of treatments offered, including outpatient care, trauma management, joint replacement operations, pediatric orthopaedics, sports injury rehabilitation, spinal surgeries, and prosthetic fittings.
“This milestone marks a transformative chapter in our commitment to restoring patients’ mobility and improving their overall well-being,” Ngwan remarked.
In his address, Pokop Bupwatda, Chief Medical Director of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), commended Onche’s leadership and reiterated the strong partnership between the two institutions.
Bupwatda highlighted that the hospital is poised to become a national standard-bearer, reinforcing Jos’s emerging status as a center of medical excellence and education.
According to BusinessDay, the hospital serves as the exclusive orthopaedic referral center for Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, Niger states, and the Federal Capital Territory, solidifying its role as the sole regional orthopaedic center within this geographical area.