By : Sani Danaudi Mohammed
15th May, 2025
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not specify a limit on the number of National Orthopedic Hospitals per geopolitical zone. Therefore, there is no constitutional restriction that would prevent the establishment of the proposed Toro National Orthopedic Hospital in Bauchi State. Unless otherwise stipulated by law or policy, the possibility of the Toro National Orthopedic Hospital becoming a reality is feasible, and efforts to bring specialized healthcare services to the region should be encouraged.
The proposed National Orthopedic Hospital in Toro, Bauchi State, has sparked discussions about the feasibility of having multiple orthopedic hospitals per geopolitical zone. While some argue that having more than two per zone may not be possible, the reality is that the demand for specialized orthopedic care is high, and existing hospitals are likely overwhelmed. With Nigeria’s large population and growing need for orthopedic services, establishing more hospitals is crucial.
Bauchi State’s strategic location, linking the North East, North West, and North Central regions, makes it an ideal spot for a National Orthopedic Hospital. The state already has a Federal Medical Centre and other healthcare facilities, but the addition of an orthopedic hospital would significantly enhance access to specialized care for residents and neighboring communities. The proposed hospital in Toro would be a welcome development, providing critical care and support to accident victims and others in need.
The establishment of more orthopedic hospitals, including the proposed one in Toro, would align with the National Health Policy’s emphasis on strengthening government roles in shaping health systems, including orthopedic treatment. With Federal Government teaching hospitals and Federal medical centers already present in many states, it’s reasonable to consider establishing more specialized hospitals like orthopedic hospitals to cater to the growing demand for healthcare services. Bauchi State and Toro would be proud to have another orthopedic hospital, and it would be a step in the right direction towards improving Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
Nigeria’s population is estimated to be around 237 million people as of May 13th, 2025, according to Worldometer. The country is experiencing rising trends in injuries to bones, ligaments, and tendons, sustained by road accident victims and insurgents’ attack victims, amongst others. The need for the establishment of orthopedic hospitals across the geopolitical zones in the country cannot be overemphasized.
The National Health Policy 2017 aims at strengthening and prioritizing the role of the government in shaping health systems, including orthopedic treatment in Nigeria. During the regional government arrangement, the National Orthopedic Hospital Management Board Act, 2004 had established only three National Orthopedic Hospitals located at Kano (Northern Region), Enugu (Eastern Region), and Lagos (Western Region).
Cognizant of geopolitical balancing of specialized medical institutions such as the Orthopedic Hospitals in Nigeria, former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the establishment of additional three National Orthopedic Hospitals in the South-South (Benin) in Edo State, North-Central (Jos) in Plateau State, and Jalingo in Taraba State North-East respectively.
Although each of the six geopolitical zones now has at least one National Orthopedic Hospital, the demand for orthopedic care is still high, and the existing hospitals are likely overwhelmed. There is a growing need for more orthopedic hospitals in each zone to cater to the increasing number of patients and provide specialized care.
According to analysis, it takes an average of N3.1 billion to fund each existing orthopedic hospital as of 2017. This cost underscores the significant investment required to establish and maintain these specialized medical facilities. Despite the challenges, there are efforts underway to address the gap in orthopedic care in Nigeria.
The Senate has passed to the third reading a bill seeking to amend the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board Act, titled the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board (Amendment) Bill 2025 (SB 364). The bill, sponsored by Senator Shehu Buba, aims to establish an orthopedic hospital in Toro, Bauchi State. This initiative is a step in the right direction, given the growing demand for orthopedic services in the region.
An orthopedic hospital is a specialized medical facility focused on the musculoskeletal system, which plays a crucial role in various functions of the human body. It addresses orthopedic disorders such as fractures, musculoskeletal conditions, and other related diseases that many people suffer from without adequate care. The establishment of more orthopedic hospitals would significantly enhance access to specialized care for Nigerians.
The proposed hospital in Toro, Bauchi State, would be a welcome development, providing critical care and support to accident victims and others in need. With Nigeria’s large population and growing demand for orthopedic services, the need for additional hospitals is evident. The National Health Policy’s emphasis on strengthening government roles in shaping health systems, including orthopedic treatment, could potentially influence future decisions on establishing more national orthopedic hospitals across the country.
As the world’s most populous countries prioritize advanced healthcare infrastructure, Nigeria’s orthopedic care landscape appears starkly different. While nations like Germany (83 million), South Korea (51 million), India (1.38 billion), the United States (331 million), Singapore (5.69 million), and Spain (46.7 million) boast hundreds of world-class orthopedic hospitals, Nigeria’s situation is concerning.
With a population of 237 million, Nigeria has only 6 National Orthopedic Hospitals, highlighting the pressing need for increased investment in healthcare infrastructure. In this context, the motion moved by Senator Shehu Buba Umar to establish a National Orthopedic Hospital in Toro, Bauchi State, is a welcome development. This initiative could significantly enhance access to specialized orthopedic care for residents of Bauchi State and neighboring regions, addressing the growing demand for such services and improving treatment outcomes for accident victims and others in need.
Senator Shehu Buba Umar’s initiative to facilitate another National Orthopedic Hospital in his constituency deserves high commendation. His intention to bring specialized healthcare services to Bauchi State and the surrounding regions is a noble one, and his efforts should be lauded. Rather than politicizing the issue, the focus should be on supporting the creation of this much-needed facility.
The agitation for the hospital’s establishment should be channeled into a constructive and respectful campaign, highlighting the benefits it would bring to the people. By putting aside political criticisms and focusing on the positive impact, stakeholders can work together to make this vision a reality. Senator Umar’s efforts should be applauded, and his constituents should rally behind him to ensure the successful establishment of the National Orthopedic Hospital in Toro, Bauchi State.
Take politics off the conversation.
