Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, on Friday expressed readiness to inaugurate the multibillion-naira, 400-bed capacity Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital within two months.

The governor also ordered the contractor handling the construction of the state’s Orthopaedic Hospital to complete the work within four months.

Mr Zulum gave the directive to the contractors handling the construction of the projects during facility tour at the sites in Maiduguri.

He insisted that the teaching hospital would be completed and ready for operation within the next 60 days.

Mr Zulum said that more than 90 per cent of the work had been executed, adding that all medical equipment and installations required for the hospital had been fully procured and delivered.

“The equipment meant for this hospital has all been procured and delivered. You can see the level of development in the hospital and the consultant has informed us that over 90 per cent of the work required has been completed,” the governor said.

He, however, expressed optimism that the remaining work would be completed within two months to put the facility to use as soon as possible.

“We believe that within the next 60 days, we will round off all the outstanding works, and the hospital will be ready for utilisation. Regarding human resources for health, approval has already been granted, and about 350 staff members have been employed. We are set to go and ensure that this hospital, which has been our dream project, stays,” he added.

The governor stated that his administration had invested heavily in healthcare infrastructure across the state and determined to ensure effective management and maintenance of the new hospital.

Mr Zulum said that the state government had resolved that the new facility would not operate free of charge but would make it affordable to the poor for its sustainability.

“Business as usual will not be feasible. The cardinal objective of any government is to bring succour to the people, particularly the less privileged.

“However, we must establish certain standards for costing. We cannot charge like a private hospital, but we also cannot make everything completely free.

“There must be a minimum threshold that will ensure the sustainability of the hospital,” he stated.

The governor stressed the need for full automation of the hospital’s operations, particularly its billing and management systems, to guarantee transparency, accountability, and efficiency.

“This hospital has the capacity to provide services not only to our people but also to those from neighbouring countries.

“It will become a referral centre for quality healthcare, provided it is managed effectively and sustainably,” he said.

At the 300-bed Orthopaedic Hospital along Dikwa Road, which was at 85 per cent completion, Mr Zulum urged the contractor to complete his work and hand over to the government within the next four months.

The governor also inspected the ongoing construction of the road network at Maiduguri Industrial Hub.

 (NAN)