General Hospital Ughelli: Where Healthcare Meets Neglect
By Ochuko Tonukari
When it comes to public hospitals in Nigeria, you already know what to expect—long queues, frustrated faces, and often, a very lackadaisical level of care. But even with that low bar, General Hospital in Ughelli somehow manages to disappoint you further. My name is Ochuko Tonukari, and I’ve lived in Delta State all my life. I’ve had the misfortune of visiting this hospital on multiple occasions, both for myself and to support family and friends. What I’m about to tell you isn’t just my story—it’s a reflection of a broken system that no one seems to care about fixing.
First Impressions: Chaos from the Gate
The first thing you’ll notice when you approach General Hospital in Ughelli is the sheer disorder. The entrance is almost always crowded, not with patients alone, but also with hawkers and people just loitering around. I’m not exaggerating when I say that the gate looks more like a motor park than the entrance to a healthcare facility. You’d think there would be some form of security or order, but no. It’s every man for himself from the jump.
The irony? There’s usually a signpost that says “Welcome to General Hospital, Ughelli” with a faded coat of paint that might as well be a metaphor for the state of the entire hospital. I once joked to a friend that if you’re not sick before entering the place, the stress of navigating the gate alone might be enough to give you a headache.
Poor Facilities: A Health Hazard in Itself
Let’s be honest, public hospitals in Nigeria are not known for state-of-the-art facilities, but General Hospital Ughelli takes it to another level. The buildings are old, poorly maintained, and in some cases, outright dangerous. I remember one time when the ceiling fan in one of the consultation rooms was wobbling so badly that the patient sitting under it had to shift their chair for fear it might fall. Can you imagine? You come to the hospital to get better, but you have to worry about a fan turning into a weapon.
The wards are overcrowded, and the beds—when you can find one—look like something from a war movie. Rusted frames, torn mattresses, and questionable hygiene. I once visited a relative who had been admitted, and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw rats scurrying along the corners of the ward. Yes, rats. How is this even acceptable in a place meant for healing?
And don’t even get me started on the toilets. If you’re unlucky enough to need to use one during your visit, just prepare your mind for the worst. No water, no soap, and half the time, the stench is enough to make you gag.
Staff Attitude: A Lesson in Frustration
Now, I understand that the doctors, nurses, and other staff at General Hospital Ughelli are also victims of the system. They’re overworked, underpaid, and probably dealing with their own frustrations. But does that justify the way they treat patients? Absolutely not.
The nurses, in particular, can be shockingly rude. I’ve personally witnessed a nurse yelling at an elderly woman who was asking for assistance. The poor woman was in pain, but instead of showing compassion, the nurse dismissed her with a wave of her hand and said, “Madam, no be only you dey here o! If you no fit wait, carry yourself go private hospital!”
The doctors aren’t much better. Consultations feel rushed, like they’re just trying to get you out of the room as quickly as possible. I once had to wait over six hours to see a doctor, only for the consultation to last less than five minutes. And what did I get for my trouble? A piece of paper scribbled with a prescription, no explanation, no advice, nothing. It’s like they’ve forgotten that patients are human beings, not case files.
Medication and Costs: A Hidden Trap
One of the most frustrating things about General Hospital Ughelli is the issue of medication. The pharmacy is almost always “out of stock.” You’ll be given a prescription and sent outside to buy the drugs from vendors, who often inflate the prices shamelessly.
It’s a vicious cycle that punishes the poor. You come to a public hospital because you can’t afford private care, but then you end up spending just as much—if not more—trying to buy drugs and other supplies from outside the hospital.
I once accompanied a friend whose child had malaria. After paying for the consultation and some random “card fees” (don’t even ask me what those are for), she was told to buy the malaria drugs outside. By the time we got everything, the total cost was almost the same as what a private clinic would have charged.
Emergency Services: A Joke
If you’re in an emergency situation, I honestly wouldn’t recommend General Hospital Ughelli. Their so-called “emergency unit” is a disaster. No sense of urgency, no proper equipment, and half the time, you’ll find the staff chatting or scrolling through their phones while patients are left unattended.
I’ll never forget the night I rushed a neighbor there after he had a motorbike accident. He was bleeding heavily, but it took over 30 minutes for anyone to even look at him. By the time they finally took him in, we were told there was no blood available for a transfusion. We were asked to go to Warri to source blood ourselves. Can you believe that? In an emergency!
Final Thoughts: A Cry for Change
It’s easy to blame the staff, but the real issue is the system. General Hospital Ughelli is a reflection of how neglected the healthcare sector in Nigeria has become. The government doesn’t care, the management is incompetent, and the staff—though partly victims themselves—have become part of the problem.
I know some people might say, “What do you expect from a public hospital?” But that’s precisely the problem. Why should we expect so little? Why should Nigerians have to settle for substandard care, especially when healthcare is literally a matter of life and death?
If you’re reading this and you have the means, my advice would be to avoid General Hospital Ughelli unless you have absolutely no other option. It’s not just a place where people go to heal—it’s a place where hope goes to die.
What’s Your Take?
I’ve shared my experience, but I know I’m not the only one with stories about public healthcare in Nigeria. Have you ever been to General Hospital Ughelli? What was your experience like? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s keep this conversation going because, honestly, things need to change.