A Critical Review of Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH) – Oghara
By Timothy Okoro
I’ve been meaning to write about Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH) in Oghara for a while now. If you’ve ever been there, you’ll probably understand why I have mixed feelings about the place. It’s not terrible, but it’s not great either—it’s just... so-so. I’m not here to sugarcoat anything or throw shade unnecessarily. I’ll tell you exactly how it is, as someone who has experienced it firsthand and also heard stories from others in my community.
The Good: They Are Trying, No Doubt
Let me start by giving credit where it’s due. DELSUTH has its strengths, and it’s only fair to acknowledge them. First of all, the hospital is equipped with some fairly modern facilities compared to what you’d find in many public hospitals across Nigeria. They have a CT scan machine, an MRI machine, and even a dialysis center. Omo, for a teaching hospital in this part of the country, that’s not small. I’ve seen people come from as far as Benin City and Warri to use some of these machines because their local hospitals don’t have them.
Another thing I respect is the way the doctors and nurses try their best despite the challenges. I’ve met a few doctors there who are young, sharp, and genuinely care about their patients. One time, my cousin had to undergo a minor surgery there, and the surgeon explained everything in such a simple, respectful way that it put my whole family at ease. That kind of attitude is rare in many Nigerian hospitals where doctors often treat patients like they’re doing them a favor.
Also, the hospital is relatively clean. I know cleanliness should be a basic requirement, but let’s be honest, not all Nigerian hospitals take this seriously. At DELSUTH, I noticed the wards are mopped regularly, and the waste bins are emptied on time. It’s not sparkling-clean like a private hospital, but compared to the average government hospital, it’s commendable.
The Not-So-Good: Wahala Still Plenty
Now, let’s talk about the areas where DELSUTH is falling short because, honestly, there are quite a few. The first thing that hits you when you go there is the waiting time. Kai, the waiting time is something else! You can come as early as 7 a.m., and by 2 p.m., you’re still sitting there, waiting to see a doctor. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re sick or with someone who’s sick. I get that the doctors are overworked and there aren’t enough of them, but shouldn’t there be a better system for managing the crowd?
Then there’s the issue of affordability. Yes, it’s a government hospital, but don’t be deceived—it’s not cheap. People think because it’s a teaching hospital, the fees will be low, but that’s not the case. My uncle once needed an MRI scan, and the bill they gave him was enough to make him consider going to a traditional herbalist instead. For a country where many people live on less than ₦1,000 a day, DELSUTH is not as accessible as it should be.
Another thing that annoys me is their attitude towards medical emergencies. I’ve seen cases where someone in critical condition was brought in, but they refused to attend to the person until a deposit was made. Imagine that! In an emergency, every second counts, but these people will be arguing over money first before saving a life. This kind of thing shouldn’t be happening in a hospital that’s supposed to be a center of learning for future doctors.
And let me not even start on the power supply. It’s almost like PHCN and DELSUTH have an agreement to frustrate patients. The power goes off randomly, and while they do have generators, it sometimes takes a while before they switch them on. I once saw a patient on oxygen start panicking because the power went off, and it took almost 10 minutes before the generator came on. Do you know how dangerous that can be? A teaching hospital should not be playing games with people’s lives like this.
The Verdict: Neither Here nor There
So, where does that leave us? DELSUTH is one of those places that has potential but hasn’t fully realized it yet. They’ve got the equipment and some dedicated staff, which is more than you can say for many other public hospitals in Nigeria. But the issues with waiting times, affordability, emergency care, and power supply are serious enough to overshadow the good.
It’s a classic case of “trying but not quite there yet.” You can see the effort, but the execution falls short. And honestly, for a teaching hospital—where the next generation of Nigerian doctors is supposed to be learning—you’d expect a higher standard.
What Needs to Change?
If DELSUTH wants to truly live up to its potential, a few things need to change. First, they need to address the issue of waiting times. Whether it’s hiring more doctors or implementing a better appointment system, something has to give. People shouldn’t have to sit around for hours just to see a doctor.
Second, they need to find a way to make their services more affordable. I know running a hospital isn’t cheap, but if the people it’s supposed to serve can’t afford it, then what’s the point? Maybe the government can step in with subsidies or grants to ease the financial burden on patients.
Emergency care is another area that needs serious improvement. In a hospital of this caliber, money should never come before saving a life. They need to set up a system where patients can be treated first and payments sorted out later, especially in critical cases.
And finally, the power supply. A hospital should never be at the mercy of PHCN. If it means investing in multiple backup generators or even solar power, so be it. Patients’ lives depend on it, and there’s no excuse for failing in this area.
My Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, DELSUTH is a mixed bag. It’s not the worst hospital in Nigeria, but it’s far from being the best. They’ve got some good things going for them, but the problems are too glaring to ignore. If you ever find yourself needing their services, just know what to expect: decent facilities, some dedicated staff, but also delays, high costs, and occasional frustrations.
So, what do you think about DELSUTH? Have you been there before? I’d love to hear your experiences. Let’s keep this conversation going because, honestly, healthcare affects us all.