Neglect and Lost Hope: The Polobubo (Tsekelewu) Cottage Hospital Crisis

The Polobubo (Tsekelewu) Cottage Hospital in Warri North Local Government Area, Delta State, has become a stark symbol of neglect and abandonment, despite a $1.4 million (approximately N596 million) investment by Chevron Nigeria Limited in partnership with the Egbema-Gbaramatu Community Development Foundation. The hospital has remained closed and under-equipped since its handover to the Delta State Government in 2018, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives, including children and pregnant women, due to preventable deaths. The community, which significantly contributes to the state's economy through oil and gas operations, remains deprived of basic healthcare services, with repeated appeals for government intervention falling on deaf ears.

Key Takeaways:

• The Polobubo (Tsekelewu) Cottage Hospital was invested in by Chevron Nigeria Limited and the Egbema-Gbaramatu Community Development Foundation with a total of N596 million in 2018.
• The hospital has been non-functional since its handover to the Delta State Government in 2018 due to a lack of staffing, equipment, and medical care.
• The community has lost hundreds of souls, including children and pregnant women, due to the absence of prompt medical attention.
• The community's economic contributions to the state's economy through oil and gas operations have not translated to access to basic healthcare services.
• Repeated appeals by community leaders for government intervention have been ignored, leaving the hospital without resident doctors, nurses, or technicians.
• The community demands immediate action from the Delta State government to revive the hospital and restore its operational capacity.

Statistics:

• N596 million (approximately $1.4 million) was invested in the Polobubo (Tsekelewu) Cottage Hospital by Chevron Nigeria Limited in partnership with the Egbema-Gbaramatu Community Development Foundation.
• 2018: Year the hospital was handed over to the Delta State Government.
• Hundreds of lives lost due to preventable deaths since the hospital's closure.
• N/A: Number of resident doctors, nurses, or technicians working at the hospital.

Sources:

• Chevron Nigeria Limited
• Egbema-Gbaramatu Community Development Foundation
• Press statement by President of the Polobubo (Tsekelewu) Bloc Communities, Paul Toruwei.