We’ve One Doctor At General Hospital – Delta Residents Cry Out

Residents of Obiaruku in Ukwuani local government area of Delta State have raised the alarm over the acute shortage of medical personnel at the Obiaruku General Hospital.

Their concern is mounting following complaints of a single doctor left to attend to hundreds of patients daily at the General Hospital.

Patients from Obiaruku and surrounding communities crowded the facility, with only one doctor available to provide medical attention.

The residents have appealed to the Delta State Government to urgently intervene by deploying more doctors and healthcare workers to the facility.

An Obiaruku resident, Mr. Chidi Uwabuofu, described his experience at the hospital recently as troubling and dangerous for public health.

According to him, he arrived at the hospital at about 9 a.m. for a routine medical check-up but did not leave until late in the evening due to the long waiting time caused by the shortage of medical staff.

He also recounted a distressing incident involving a breastfeeding mother who reportedly left the hospital around 3:00 pm with her sick infant after the lone doctor was forced to stop consultations due to exhaustion.

“The doctor was clearly overwhelmed by the workload. It was painful to watch a mother walk away with her sick baby because there was no other doctor to attend to her. She had no option but to return the next day since she could not afford private healthcare.”

He warned that prolonged delays in treatment could worsen patients’ conditions, particularly among vulnerable groups such as infants, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Uwabuofu further noted that the hospital, which is already facing challenges with inadequate equipment, is unable to function effectively due to the lack of sufficient medical personnel.

Expressing broader concern, he said the situation at Obiaruku General Hospital may reflect deeper systemic issues affecting healthcare delivery across Ukwuani communities.

He specifically called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the chairman of Ukwuani local government area, Mr. Ajede, members of the Delta State House of Assembly, (DSHA) including Hon. Dafe, and other relevant government officials to take immediate action.

“Our people’s health should not be taken for granted. Access to proper healthcare is a basic right, and the government must act now to prevent avoidable suffering and loss of lives,” Uwabuofu stated.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme did not respond to calls but a close aide, who does not want to be mentioned, said the ministry is looking into the matter.