By Asmau Ahmad
The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), has begun medical and surgical outreach in selected Maiduguri communities to mark its 40th anniversary.
During the ceremony on Monday in Maiduguri, Borno State, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, said the development was part of the one-week activities lined up for the celebration.
“The exercise comprises screening and treatment of medical ailments, screening for surgical conditions such as hernia, hydrocoele, or genital swellings and lumps in the body will take place at Gamboru clinic.
“Surgeries for those screened and diagnosed with surgical conditions will take place at the UMTH trauma centre.
“We are targeting 500 patients but will take as many as we can who show up for the exercise,” Ahidjo said.
According to him, other activities lined up for the one-week event include special prayers for Friday and Sunday, career guidance for students, commissioning and foundation laying of legacy projects by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The UMTH was commissioned by President Shehu Shagari’s administration in 1983.
In the last 40 years of the establishment of the hospital, it has witnessed remarkable growth in physical infrastructure from a 300-bed capacity in 1983 to the current 1,200-bed capacity.
