Eku Baptist Hospital: A Legacy in Need of Restoration

 

By John Ochuko

When you mention Eku Baptist Hospital to anyone who grew up in Delta State or its neighboring areas, their face lights up with nostalgia. For many of us, this hospital was the pride of our community. Back in the day, when the "oyinbo" missionaries were running things, Eku was synonymous with hope, healing, and excellence. It was the place where lives were saved, and miracles happened. But today, when you bring up Eku Baptist Hospital, the reactions are... complicated.

I decided to visit the hospital recently to see things for myself. You know how Nigerians are – we like to hear firsthand and not just believe everything people say. What I saw left me with mixed emotions. Let me break it down for you.

The Glorious Days of Eku Baptist Hospital

Growing up, Eku Baptist Hospital was a household name. People came from far and wide – not just from Delta State, but from other parts of Nigeria – just to be treated there. Back then, the "oyinbos" (foreign missionaries) were in charge, and you could see their fingerprints all over the place. The hospital was clean, the staff were polite, and the equipment was modern for its time.

No matter who you were – rich, poor, Christian, or Muslim – you were treated with respect and dignity. My uncle often told me stories about how he was rushed there after a bad accident on the farm, and the oyinbo doctors fixed his leg like magic. He would say, "Eku na real hospital, no be all these quack places wey dey everywhere now.”

But things have changed. The missionaries left, and the hospital has struggled to keep up. People now complain more than they praise, and it makes you wonder what went wrong.

Observations from My Recent Visit

When I arrived at the hospital, the first thing that hit me was the building itself. It looked tired, like someone who had worked hard all their life and was now begging for rest. The paint was peeling, there were cracks in the walls, and the general atmosphere felt neglected. It’s almost as if the hospital has been forgotten by those who should care for it.

Inside, the situation was a bit better, but not by much. The reception area was crowded, and the fans were barely working. Patients were sitting on wooden benches, waiting their turn. Some looked frustrated, while others seemed resigned, as if they’d been through this routine too many times before.

The staff were a different kettle of fish altogether. Some were friendly and genuinely trying to help, while others looked like they would rather be anywhere else but there. I overheard one nurse shouting at a patient to "wait your turn!" in a tone that made me cringe. Now, I get it – healthcare workers in Nigeria are overworked and underpaid. But still, a little kindness goes a long way, especially in a place like a hospital.

The Complaints Are Not Baseless

After my visit, I spoke to a few people in the community to get their perspective. Most of them said the same thing: Eku Baptist Hospital is no longer what it used to be. One woman told me about how her sister was admitted there last year, and they had to buy almost all the drugs and even some basic supplies from outside. She said, "Na we dey do their work for them. If you no get money, forget am."

Another man shared his frustration about how long it takes to see a doctor. He said, "You go come hospital by 7 a.m., but dem no go attend to you till like 2 p.m. Wetin be the point?"

That said, not everyone was completely negative. An elderly woman I met at the market told me the hospital had saved her grandson's life during a complicated birth. "Dem still get good doctors," she said, "but the problem na management. No be like before."

What Went Wrong?

It’s easy to point fingers and blame the hospital staff, but I think the problem is deeper than that. For one, funding is a major issue. When the missionaries were in charge, they had access to resources that the current management simply doesn’t have. Government support for healthcare in Nigeria is also practically non-existent, and private hospitals like Eku are left to fend for themselves.

Secondly, there’s the issue of leadership. Running a hospital is no joke, and it requires people who are not only skilled but also deeply committed to the mission of providing quality healthcare. From what I’ve seen, it doesn’t look like the current leadership has the same passion that the oyinbos had back in the day.

Lastly, there’s the issue of brain drain. Many of the best doctors and nurses are leaving Nigeria for greener pastures abroad, and hospitals like Eku are feeling the impact. The few good ones who stay behind are overworked and often underappreciated.

Is There Still Hope for Eku Baptist Hospital?

Despite everything, I believe there’s still hope for Eku Baptist Hospital. The foundation is already there – this is a place with a rich history and a reputation that still carries weight. What it needs now is a revival.

The first step is funding. Whether it comes from the government, private donors, or even the church, money is needed to fix the infrastructure, buy modern equipment, and pay staff decent salaries. Without this, nothing else will work.

Next, the management needs to take a hard look at how the hospital is being run. Are they hiring the right people? Are they treating their staff well? Are they putting patients first? These are questions that need honest answers.

Finally, the community also has a role to play. We can’t just sit back and complain; we need to support the hospital in whatever way we can. Maybe it’s volunteering, donating money, or simply treating the staff with respect. After all, this hospital is for us. If we let it die, we’re the ones who will suffer.

Concluding Thoughts

Eku Baptist Hospital is like an old tree that used to bear sweet fruit but is now struggling to survive. It’s not dead yet, but it needs care, attention, and love to thrive again. I left my visit feeling sad but also hopeful. Sad because of how far the hospital has fallen, but hopeful because I know it doesn’t have to stay this way.

What do you think? Have you been to Eku Baptist Hospital recently? I’d love to hear from you. Let’s talk about how we can bring this once-great institution back to life.

 

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