The Borno State Government has pledged to strengthen its partnership with the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in resettled communities across the state.

Governor Babagana Zulum pledged this while inspecting drugs, medical equipment and hospital consumables donated to UMTH by the United States, which were transported to Maiduguri with the support of the state government. The inspection took place at the hospital’s Stroke Centre.

Zulum disclosed that discussions are underway with UMTH and development partners to replicate the initiative across 20 general hospitals in the state, including the 10 newly constructed facilities, by attracting more medical equipment and healthcare interventions.

He also commended the teaching hospital’s decision to support two comprehensive health centres in Rumirgo and Baga, assuring that the state government would provide the necessary infrastructure and facilities before the outgoing hospital management completes its tenure, paving the way for the partnership to commence.

“Before you leave office, we shall do everything possible to ensure that the required facilities are on the ground so that the partnership will be implemented. I also commend those working with you because, without the support of the staff, such achievements could not have been made,” he said.

The governor praised the outgoing Chief Medical Director of UMTH, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, for what he described as remarkable achievements that have transformed the institution despite limited resources. He also thanked the Chief Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals, Dr Mairo Mandara, for facilitating the partnership with the United States.

“We have witnessed phenomenal growth and development in this teaching hospital since you assumed office. I want to assure you that posterity will judge you positively for all the good work you have done for Borno State and indeed Nigeria,” he added.

Ahidjo commended Governor Zulum for the N500 million intervention provided after the 2024 flood disaster and for his continued support to the hospital.

He disclosed that N75 million from the intervention fund was used to ship the donated equipment, which includes state-of-the-art endoscopy and ultrasound machines, ICU beds, theatre beds, incubators, patient monitors, dental chairs and other critical medical supplies.

“Part of the N500 million you gave us, precisely N75 million, was used to ship these donated items from the United States. All these items came at no cost to the hospital apart from the shipping expenses, and today they are worth hundreds of millions of naira,” Ahidjo said.

“We now have more than 20 modern ICU beds, advanced diagnostic equipment and many other medical facilities that will be distributed across our departments. We believe Borno State can also benefit from similar donations through this partnership,” he added.

According to Ahidjo, the hospital’s standalone stroke centre is the only dedicated stroke facility in the country. He noted that the centre currently has nearly 100 patients on admission, most of whom are receiving specialised stroke care, significantly improving healthcare delivery in the region.