Posted on: Fri 22-05-2026

The attention of the Management of the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara has been drawn to a misleading press release allegedly, flagrantly and unilaterally issued by the Medical and Dental Consultants Association (MDCAN), DELSUTH Chapter.

Ordinarily, Management would not dignify such publications with a response. However, in view of the need to place the correct facts before the public and to prevent unnecessary anxiety among patients, partners, and the general public, it has become necessary to clarify the issues raised.

Government's Massive Investment and Commitment to the Hospital It is important to state unequivocally that the Government has demonstrated unprecedented commitment toward repositioning the hospital into a modern tertiary healthcare institution comparable to international standards.

After over eleven (11) years of the hospital's existence without major infrastructural transformation, the immediate past Government undertook a comprehensive renovation and upgrading of critical hospital infrastructure. This intervention has significantly improved the physical outlook, functionality, and service delivery capacity of the institution.

Beyond infrastructural renovation, the current State Governor, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Sheriff F. O. Oborevwwori, (JP), has completed some abandoned projects and continued to prioritize the equipping and staffing of the hospital with state-of-the-art medical facilities and modern healthcare technologies.

Recently, the Executive Governor, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Sheriff F. O. Oborevwori, (JP), through the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, procured and installed several high-end, brand new medical equipment including:

1. Dialysis machines
2. Echocardiography machine
3. Patient monitors with capnography features
4. A modern 62-slice CT Scanner
5. Ventilators
6. A cutting-edge helium-free MRI machine

These acquisitions are clear evidence of Government's resolve to transform the institution into a world-class healthcare facility capable of delivering advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services to the people.

 

Commitment to Staff Welfare

In further demonstration of its concern for healthcare workers and in recognition of prevailing economic realities, His Excellency, the Governor, graciously approved an additional monthly salary enhancement of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000) for medical doctors across the state and N100,000 for House Officers.

This intervention was aimed at improving welfare, boosting morale, and encouraging optimal service delivery.

It is therefore unfortunate that despite these remarkable efforts, certain individuals have chosen the path of misinformation, sensationalism, and deliberate distortion of facts.

 

Ongoing Massive Recruitment Exercise

Contrary to the false impression created by the said publication, Government is actively addressing manpower needs in the hospital.

Indeed, approval has already been granted for the replacement of one hundred (100) personnel across various professional and non-professional cadres. The recruitment process is currently ongoing.

This strategic employment initiative is specifically targeted at strengthening service delivery, improving staff-to-patient ratios, and ensuring optimal operational efficiency across departments.

 

False Claims Regarding Basic Equipment and Utilities

The publication alleged that basic hospital equipment such as sphygmomanometers, stethoscopes, thermometers, weighing scales, and diagnostic tools are unavailable or non-functional.

These claims are grossly exaggerated, misleading, and clearly intended to create unnecessary panic and disaffection in the minds of the public.

Management wishes to state categorically that the hospital remains functional and operational, with routine procurement, maintenance, and replacement of essential clinical equipment being carried out as required.

Similarly, the assertion that the hospital lacks water and electricity is completely false. The hospital currently enjoys a dedicated 24-hour power and water supply system to support uninterrupted patient care and clinical services with additional 1.6Mva of standby

power supply. In addition, Management has continued to invest heavily in digital transformation and is steadily transitioning major hospital operations into an electronic and automated system for improved efficiency and accountability.

 

Clarification on X-Ray Services

The publication further claimed that X-ray services had collapsed due to the absence of a functional UPS system.

While there had previously been technical challenges relating to power backup systems, Management had already addressed and resolved the issue before the circulation of the said release.

The concerned writer is evidently not abreast of current developments and operational realities within the institution.

Radiological services are functional and continue to provide essential diagnostic support to clinicians and patients.

 

False Allegations Regarding Sewage and Sanitation

Management also rejects the unfounded allegation regarding sewage overflow and poor sanitation within the hospital environment.

The hospital maintains a functional environmental sanitation and waste management system. Routine sanitation exercises, facility inspections, and environmental monitoring are conducted regularly to ensure compliance with acceptable healthcare environmental standards.

 

Theatre Complex and Surgical Services

The claim that the theatre complex is functioning below acceptable standards with poor lighting, inadequate instruments, malfunctioning equipment, and shortage of surgical materials is also inaccurate and misleading.

Management has continued to upgrade surgical services through the procurement of modern theatre equipment, provision of consumables, maintenance of operating facilities, and improvement of clinical support systems.

Surgical procedures are being conducted successfully, and patient care has continued uninterrupted.

While no healthcare institution is entirely without challenges, it is important to state that Management remains proactive and responsive in addressing operational issues as they arise.

Clarification on the Appointment of a Substantive Chief Medical Director (CMO) Management also considers it necessary to address the misleading insinuations regarding the appointment of a substantive Chief Medical Director (CMD) for the hospital.

The attempt by certain individuals to portray the situation as a “leadership vacuum’ is entirely false, mischievous, and deliberately intended to create unnecessary tension within the institution and among the public.

For the avoidance of doubt, the hospital is fully functional, properly administered, and under effective leadership. Administrative and clinical activities are progressing smoothly without interruption.

It must be clearly stated that the appointment of a substantive Chief Medical Director is solely the constitutional and statutory prerogative of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of the State, who reserves the exclusive authority to make such appointments al the appropriate time and in accordance with laid-down procedures.

While it is true that an election process was conducted and relevant recommendations forwarded to the appropriate authorities, Management wishes to emphasize that due governmental processes and consultations must be respected. No individual or group has the authority to stampede Government into making appointments through media pressure, emotional blackmail, or orchestrated propaganda.

The attempt to link the issue of CMD appointment to alleged tensions within the hospital community and unrelated protests by the host community is equally misleading and unfounded. The hospital remains peaceful, stable, and focused on its core mandate of service delivery, training, and research.

Management therefore urges all staff and stakeholders to avoid actions capable of politicizing administrative processes or overheating the system through unnecessary speculation and divisive narratives.

We remain confident in the wisdom, commitment, and leadership of His Excellency, whose numerous interventions in the hospital, including massive infrastructural transformation, procurement of sophisticated medical equipment, staff welfare improvements, and ongoing recruitment of medical and non-medical personnel clearly demonstrate Government's unwavering dedication to the growth and advancement of the institution.

 

Appreciation to the Government

Management sincerely appreciates His Excellency the Governor, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Sheriff F. O. Oborevwori, (JP), and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme for the unwavering support, commitment to healthcare development, staff welfare interventions,

infrastructural upgrades, equipment procurement, and ongoing recruitment efforts.

These interventions are already yielding positive results and will continue to position the hospital as a leading centre for healthcare delivery, medical training, and research.

The Management remains resolute, focused, and committed to sustaining these gains for the benefit of patients, staff, and the entire populace.

 

Appeal to the Public

Management wishes to reassure patients, partners, and the general public that the hospital remains committed to delivering quality healthcare services in line with global best practices.

The institution is undergoing steady transformation supported by a responsive Government that has consistently demonstrated political will, financial commitment, and strategic investment in the health sector.

The public is therefore advised to disregard attempts by certain self-serving individuals to misrepresent the true situation for personal or sectional interests.

Constructive criticism and institutional engagement remain welcome; however, deliberate misinformation, unauthorized publications, and attempts to discredit ongoing progress for ulterior motives should be discouraged.

 

Signed

Management

Delta State University Teaching Hospital Oghara

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