By SN24.com 
By Peter Akpah.
The National Orthopaedic Hospital, Jos has recorded significant milestones in its first year of clinical operations, attending to 8,502 outpatients and performing 154 major surgeries despite resource constraints.
This was disclosed on Wednesday by the Medical Director of the hospital, *Professor Icha Onche*, during a briefing with journalists in his office, where he highlighted the institution’s achievements and challenges since it commenced operations.
Professor Onche stated that outpatient services began on *May 20, 2025*, while full clinical operations including admissions started on *October 20, 2025*. Within that period, the hospital admitted *259 patients* and carried out a total of *159 surgical procedures*.
“This facility has carried out 154 major reconstructive surgeries, including specialized procedures such as hip and knee replacements. In addition, five patients have received major prosthetic fittings,” he said.
The Medical Director described the progress as remarkable for a relatively young specialist institution, adding that management remains committed to providing quality orthopaedic care through modern interventions and skilled personnel.
Despite the successes, Professor Onche identified *inadequate funding* as the hospital’s greatest challenge. He revealed that budgetary allocations approved for the institution in the 2024 and 2025 Federal Government budgets are yet to be released.
“The delay in accessing approved funds has slowed efforts to expand infrastructure, procure specialized medical equipment, and improve service delivery. Only two of our three operating theatres are currently functional due to resource constraints,” he noted.
On revenue, he disclosed that the hospital generated *₦72 million in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)* in 2025, which he described as encouraging given the short period of operation.
On staffing, Professor Onche said the hospital recruited *193 personnel* in the first phase and recently employed an additional *93 staff*, emphasizing that all appointments were strictly based on merit and due process.
He also highlighted key collaborations, including partnership with the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, and the signing of Memoranda of Understanding with vendors for the supply of implants, prosthetics and medical equipment. He acknowledged the support of the Federal Government and the Plateau State Government.
Tracing the hospital’s history, Professor Onche recalled that the Act establishing the institution was signed into law on *July 16, 2021* by the late President Muhammadu Buhari, but it took effect in *2023* when he was appointed Acting Medical Director on *May 25, 2023*.
A major turning point, he said, was the leasing of the facility to the Federal Government by Plateau State Governor, *Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang*, through an MoU signed on *July 2, 2024* with the then Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
He further listed renovation of the premises, staff recruitment, commencement of clinical services, and interventions such as the renovation of the pharmacy block and laundry by the Federal Ministry of Health as critical milestones.
Professor Onche expressed optimism that the hospital will continue to expand access to quality orthopaedic, trauma and reconstructive care for Plateau and the North Central zone, which comprises Niger, Kwara, Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi states and the FCT.
Professor Onche also used the opportunity to appreciate president Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his reforms in healthcare and also thank the honorable minister of health Professor Ali Pate and the minister of state Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako and the permanent secretary federal ministry of health and social welfare Daju Kachollom mni for their support towards the growth of the national orthopedic hospital jos plateau State.
He appealed to the Federal Government for the prompt release of approved budgetary allocations to enable the hospital to fully realize its mandate as a specialist healthcare facility in
line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
