UMTH Strengthens Sustainability Through Innovations, Partnerships, and Federal Support-Prof. Kagu
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital ( UMTH) has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering quality healthcare services through sustainable revenue initiatives, strategic partnerships, and strengthened manpower support, even amid funding and operational challenges.
Speaking at the ongoing budget defence on Saturday, February 7, in Abuja, the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Professor Modu Baba Kagu, emphasized the need for hospitals to go beyond service provision by adopting innovative approaches that support long-term sustainability.
“One major idea we have embraced is that hospitals should not only function as service providers, but should also develop sustainable ways of generating revenue to strengthen and support the healthcare system,” he stated.
In line with this vision, the hospital has introduced several internal revenue-generating activities, including a water treatment and table water production facility, alongside institutional support services such as hospital-based schools and incineration systems.
Professor Baba Kagu also highlighted the hospital’s expanding network of collaborations. He noted that the hospital’s stroke centre operates in partnership with the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), while an international collaboration with the Walton Neuroscience Centre in Liverpool has enhanced access to advanced medical technology.
Through this partnership, the hospital now has the capacity to perform endoscopic brain surgeries, allowing patients to receive specialised treatment without the need for open surgical procedures.
Prof M.B. Kagu further expressed deep appreciation for the Federal Government’s intervention following the devastating flood disaster in Maiduguri on September 9, 2024, which severely damaged its linear accelerator.
He disclosed that, through the support of the Federal Ministry of Health and the efforts of Professor Muhammed Ali Pate, the honourable and coordinating Minister of health, philanthropists were mobilised, leading to a landmark donation of $1 million by Chief Emeka Offor for the procurement of a brand-new linear accelerator.
“We are proud of this intervention, and the suite has been named in honour of Chief Emeka Offor in recognition of his contribution,” he said.
On human resources, the expansion of services to 12 functional centres has increased manpower needs. However, Professor Baba Kagu revealed that the Head of Service has approved the recruitment of an additional 600 personnel, following the employment of 470 staff last year, significantly boosting the hospital’s workforce.
He expressed gratitude for the continued support and reiterated the hospital’s commitment to improved service delivery, research advancement, and specialised training for healthcare professionals. While calling on the federal lawmakers to increase their 2026 budget appropriation to enable the hospital to serve the people optimisedly.
