The National Orthopedic Hospital Jos (NOH-Jos) has officially commenced clinical services, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of specialized healthcare in Plateau State and the surrounding region.
Speaking to journalists at the hospital premises on Monday, the Medical Director, Professor Icha Onche, confirmed that outpatient services will begin on Tuesday, May 13. He noted that while full operations and an official commissioning ceremony will follow in the coming months, the hospital is now ready to deliver essential orthopedic care to the public.
“This day, May 12, 2025, is one of immense gratitude for me,” said Prof. Onche. “We are starting outpatient clinical services immediately, with inpatient and surgical services to follow once recruitment and facility setup are fully completed.”
Prof. Onche expressed deep appreciation to various stakeholders for making the hospital operational, highlighting the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who sponsored the original bill establishing the hospital.
He emphasized that NOH-Jos is one of three orthopedic hospitals established by the Federal Government under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, strategically located in Jos, Benin, and Jalingo to ensure equitable access across regions.
The hospital, which now occupies the renovated former site of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), had been abandoned for 14 years before revitalization efforts began in 2023. Prof. Onche credited initial funding from the federal government and support from local contractors for making the renovations possible despite limited resources.
He highlighted the hospital’s core mandate: treating orthopedic-related cases such as fractures, joint replacements, spinal injuries, trauma, and movement-related impairments. “This is a super-specialty hospital,” he said. “We are not equipped for general medicine or obstetrics—we are focused on bones, muscles, tendons, and restoring movement.”
Though operations will begin with limited services, the hospital is set to expand gradually, with dedicated units for trauma, burns, plastic reconstruction, and spinal care in the pipeline. Prof. Onche acknowledged that funding remains a major challenge, noting that only ₦600 million was allocated for capital projects in 2025, far short of what is needed for full-scale operation.
He also praised the Plateau State government for providing critical infrastructure like road access and water supply. “Governor Mutfwang has been a pillar of support,” he said. “His commitment to healthcare development is unmatched.”
Addressing staffing and recruitment, Prof. Onche assured that the hospital’s hiring process has adhered to principles of merit and federal character, with a diverse workforce drawn from across Nigeria. He also mentioned ongoing collaborations with JUTH and other medical professionals to supplement specialist care while the hospital scales up.
Prof. Onche concluded with a call for increased investment in the nation’s orthopedic health sector and health insurance reforms to make care more affordable. “Specialty care is expensive. Replacing a hip can cost over ₦3 million,” he said. “But our vision is clear: we want to build a world-class orthopedic facility that reduces medical tourism and serves the people of this region and beyond.”
NOH-Jos will continue to expand operations in phases, with inpatient and surgical services expected to begin once necessary staff and equipment are fully in place.