The newly inaugurated National Orthopaedic Hospital in Jos, Plateau State, has commenced full clinical operations with a total of 736 registered patients and 150 awaiting surgery, marking a significant boost to specialist healthcare in the North Central region.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, the hospital’s Medical Director, Professor Inalegwu Onche, described the development as “a historic milestone for the hospital and the communities it is meant to serve.”
He explained that the successful take-off of the federal health facility was made possible through strong collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Health, the Plateau State Government, and the Jos University Teaching Hospital.
“We currently have 736 registered patients, and about 150 are awaiting surgery.
“It has been a long and demanding journey to get here,” Professor Onche said. “To say that we are now open and fully operational is something we are deeply grateful for.”
Onche disclosed that all departments were adequately staffed, with only a few personnel yet to assume duties due to formal clearance procedures at their previous workplaces.
According to him, the hospital is equipped to provide a wide 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 hospital focusing on musculoskeletal diseases and plastic surgery — two disciplines merged into one,” he noted. “It is, in every sense, a hospital for humanity.”
The Medical Director also commended Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, for his contributions to the hospital’s development, especially in providing access roads and supporting infrastructure.
“Although this is a federal institution, the governor has treated it as a personal project and an investment in the health of our people,” he added.
Similarly, the hospital’s Director of Clinical Services, Dr. David Ngwan, said the commencement of full operations signified that all clinical units — including the wards, theatres, and Accident and Emergency Department — were now functional.
“With great joy, we are starting full orthopaedic services, not just partial operations,” Dr. Ngwan stated. “Our mission is to build generations of mobile people who can walk freely without pain.”
He highlighted that the facility boasts of a multidisciplinary team comprising orthopaedic consultants, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and rehabilitation experts, adding that it has the capacity to handle paediatric orthopaedics, sports medicine, spinal interventions, arthroscopy, and prosthetic fabrication for amputees.
In a goodwill message, the Chief Medical Director of JUTH, Dr. Pokop W. Bupwatda, praised Professor Onche’s leadership and pledged continuous institutional support to ensure the hospital’s growth.
“Starting a new institution is never an easy task, but we are proud of the progress made so far,” Bupwatda said. “With Professor Onche at the helm, this hospital will soon become a model for others across the country.”
