- Approves construction of five General hospitals
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday inaugurated state-of-the-art eye and dental hospitals, along with a mega secondary school, in Biu Local Government Area, southern Borno.
The newly commissioned 40-bed eye hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical facilities to address rising ophthalmological needs in the region. Governor Zulum announced the appointment of a team of highly trained medical professionals to provide specialized treatments for cataracts, glaucoma, and other vision-related conditions.
Similarly, the 30-bed dental hospital will offer comprehensive oral health services, including preventive care, orthodontics, and restorative treatments, ensuring that residents can access quality dental care locally.
During the inauguration, Governor Zulum underscored his administration’s commitment to healthcare development. He noted that 15% of the state’s budget for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years has been allocated to the health sector, in line with the Abuja Declaration’s recommendation on healthcare financing.
“Healthcare is one of the cardinal pillars of Borno State’s 25-Year Development Plan and the 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative. This reflects our commitment to improving the health and well-being of our people,” Zulum stated.
Professor Abubakar Ali Kullima, Chief Medical Director of the Borno State Hospital Management Board, highlighted that the new facilities will serve as training centers for healthcare professionals. He announced that the eye hospital would offer free ophthalmic surgeries for residents of southern Borno immediately after the opening.
Governor Zulum also commissioned a mega secondary school in Miringa, located 10 kilometers from Biu town. The school, with a capacity for over 1,300 students, features 60 classrooms, an ICT center, and four science laboratories.
To support students, Zulum distributed free textbooks, uniforms, school sandals, and bicycles to facilitate transportation from nearby villages.
Governor Zulum further announced the approval of funds for the construction of general hospitals in five local government areas: Askira Uba, Magumeri, Gubio, Mafa, and Dikwa.
“To enhance health infrastructure, the Borno State Government has awarded contracts for modern general hospitals in Uba, Gubio, Magumeri, Mafa, and Dikwa,” Zulum said.
He emphasized the importance of addressing manpower shortages in the healthcare sector, announcing a strategic initiative to attract, train, and retain skilled medical professionals in collaboration with educational institutions.
Borno State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Mallam Gana, noted that Borno is the first state in Nigeria to establish eye and dental hospitals in all three senatorial zones. He highlighted that the facilities are equipped to handle complex cases and will serve patients beyond Biu and its environs.
