Following the visit by the Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopedic Hospital Jos, Prof. Icha Inalegwu Onche, His Royal Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, the Gbong Gwom Jos, has welcomed the hospital’s upcoming operations, expressing optimism for its impact on Plateau State.
During the visit, the Gbong Gwom commended the initiative, emphasizing that the establishment of such a facility would make the area a point of attraction.
The Gbong Gwom also highlighted potential challenges that could arise due to rapid development around the hospital. He cautioned against the unregulated sale of land, which could lead to congestion in areas earmarked for permanent structures. He called on the government to handle such matters wisely, saying, “It is not your decision to determine temporary or permanent sites,” and stressed that these decisions lie with the government.
Addressing the hospital’s management, His Royal Majesty encouraged them to focus on providing quality orthopedic care wherever the hospital structures are built. He reassured the hospital’s leadership that the traditional council would ensure that any land acquired for public purposes would revert to the original owners if its use became untenable.
In a significant appeal, the Gbong Gwom urged the hospital’s management to prioritize employing qualified locals in the workforce. “When it comes to employment, as long as there are qualified local people, it should be a priority,” he stated. He also acknowledged the technical nature of the hospital but stressed the importance of local involvement.
His Royal Majesty concluded by welcoming the operations of the National Orthopedic Hospital Jos and encouraging collaboration between the hospital, government, and local communities to ensure that the people of Plateau State fully benefit from the services provided.
Earlier on, The Chief Medical Director of the National Orthopedic Hospital Jos, Professor Icha Onche, explained the services to be provided by the National Orthopedic Hospital, Jos, Prof. Onche clarified the hospital’s specialization in treating bones and soft tissue-related issues. He reassured the public of the hospital’s commitment to offering high-quality orthopedic services, stating, “Our business is essentially bones and soft tissues around it. We’re ready to offer the best services available.”
The Chief Medical Director highlighted the readiness of the hospital’s management, revealing plans to assemble a highly qualified staff dedicated to providing top-tier orthopedic care. He also mentioned that services would likely commence in April, marking the beginning of what is expected to be a milestone for healthcare in the state.
While the hospital specializes in orthopedics, Professor Onche noted that some other medical services, such as antenatal care, childbirth, and general surgeries, might not fall under their core services. However, he reiterated that their primary focus would remain on orthopedic treatment, which he referred to as being “purely within our domain.”
