By Atoyebi Nike
The National Orthopaedic Hospital, Jos, has officially commenced full orthopaedic services, marking a major boost to healthcare delivery in Nigeria’s North Central zone.
Medical Director, Dr. Icha Inalegwu Onche, made this known during a press briefing on Wednesday in Jos. He outlined the hospital’s journey, noting the establishment law signed in 2021, his appointment in 2023, and confirmation as substantive Medical Director in 2024.
Onche revealed that the hospital currently has 736 registered patients, with 150 awaiting surgery. He said the facility is fully staffed and equipped to offer trauma care, joint replacement, spine surgery, prosthetics, paediatric orthopaedics, and sports medicine.
He added that the hospital will also serve as a training and research hub for future orthopaedic specialists.
Pokop Bupwatda, Chief Medical Director of Jos University Teaching Hospital, praised the leadership and pledged continued collaboration, describing the hospital as a future national model.
The facility serves Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory, making it the only regional orthopaedic centre in the zone.