The Federal Government has acknowledged funding constraints that slowed the pace of expansion at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Jos in 2025, but has assured residents of Plateau State and the wider North-Central region of improved equipment, increased personnel and enhanced healthcare services beginning in 2026
.The assurance was given on Friday by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Kachollom S. Daju, during an inspection visit to the hospital in Jos.
Daju explained that 2025 had been a particularly challenging year for the Federal Government in terms of funding, a situation that affected the timely procurement of medical equipment and the speed at which some federal health facilities could be fully developed.
She, however, stressed that the challenges were temporary and that plans were already in place to significantly strengthen service delivery at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Jos and other federal tertiary health institutions in the coming year.
“2025 has been an unusual year because we have not been able to access funding as we would have wanted,This affected our ability to procure equipment and expand the hospital at the pace we envisioned. But we are looking forward to 2026, when the people of Plateau and surrounding states can expect better equipment, more personnel and improved services.”She stated.
According to the Permanent Secretary, a major step has already been taken to address existing limitations with the approval of a procurement waiver for medical equipment by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
She said the waiver would enable federal tertiary hospitals to acquire essential equipment more efficiently and improve health outcomes nationwide.
Speaking on the current level of service delivery at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Jos, Daju said the facility was already providing critical trauma and orthopaedic care, despite operating with limited resources.
She described the hospital as a full trauma centre offering services such as surgeries, skin grafting, hip replacements and prosthetic care, noting that its strategic location in Jos places it in a position to serve patients not only from Plateau State but from neighbouring states within the North-Central zone.
If you come here with a broken bone, we help you,” she said. “This is a trauma centre. Whether it is skin grafting, hip replacement or prosthesis, we provide these services with the minimal resources available. We try not to dwell on challenges, but on what we have achieved with what we have.”
Daju commended the management of the hospital, led by its Medical Director, Professor Onche, for what she described as significant progress made within a short period, noting that noticeable improvements had been recorded since her last visit.
She also expressed appreciation to the Plateau State Government, particularly Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for supporting the Federal Government through collaboration and assistance with aspects of the hospital’s development.
During the inspection, the Permanent Secretary assessed various facilities within the hospital, including the laboratory. She noted that while the laboratory was currently functional, further upgrades would be undertaken as the hospital moves towards full operational capacity.
“The lab is working, but a lot more can be done,What we have now is temporary. Once we are fully operational, you will see a significant difference.” She added.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the health sector, stressing that while challenges are inevitable, the focus remains on mitigating their impact and ensuring that Nigerians have access to quality healthcare.
It would be recalled that the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Jos commenced phased clinical operations earlier this year under the leadership of its Medical Director, Professor Onche, with the facility gradually expanding services to include specialist orthopaedic and trauma care for patients across the North-Central zone and neighbouring states.
