FIC Report (Borno State) – Minister of Health And Social Welfare Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, Lauded Governor Zulum for fostering collaboration between State and Federal governments to deliver equitable, affordable healthcare.
The Minister of Health And Social Welfare who attended the 110th General Meeting of the Committee of Chief Medical Doctors of Federal Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, alongside the commissioning of epoch making projects at University Of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).
Borno State Governor professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced a #1 billion financial support package for the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital UMTH to facilitate kidney transplants for under privileged patients from the state.
Demonstating immediate commitment, Governor Zulum authorised on initial deposit of #250 million to cover transplants for 50 indigent patients.
The governor made the announcement during the 110th General Meeting of the Committee Of Chief Medical Doctors Of Federal Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria.
He confirmed that the remaining #750 million would be disbursed in three instalments.
The governor who announced that Borno State government will deposit the sum of #250 million to support kidney transplants of 50 patients. I am ready to contribute #1 billion as government’s contribution towards supporting the less privileged patients at UMTH. This is only the begging – I promised to do even more,” he added.
Governor Zulum commended UMTH for its strides in specialised healthcare, particularly its recent successful kidney transplants.
“I was told both the patients and donors are doing very well. Indeed this is a landmark achievement and a great relieve to patients most importantly to those who cannot afford the cost of transplant,” he remarked.
Speaking on the State Emergency Medical and Ambulance Services (SEMAS), the governor confirmed that ten new fully equipped ambulances would be deployed across health facilities by the week’s end. This, he stressed, would bolster the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative.
“As a Government, we pledged our full support for the sustenance and Scale -up of the Maternal and Innovation Initiative Programme. We view it not as a standalone initiative, but as a critical complement to our broader health reform agenda,”
“We are committed to ensuring that Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative succeeds in providing comprehensive antenatal care, emergency obstetric services, skilled birth attendance, postnatal follow – up and routine immunization to protect our children from preventable diseases,” he stressed.
Chief Medical Director, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo acknowledged the state’s #500 million intervention following the 2024 floods, had helped to restore critical services, including the renovation of Trauma and Kidney Centres, procurement of medical consumables and the reactivation of oxygen plant.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Esther Didi Walson- Jack, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe GCON, National Assembly Members, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Umar Garbai El kanemi, Former Deputy Governor, Hon. Uman Mamman Durkwa and over 70 Chief Medical Directors and Medical Doctors.
Signed
B. A. Abdulsalam
HOC, FIC Maiduguri
29th July 2025.
