Health
Overcrowding crisis at Delta's PHC highlights broader challenges in state's healthcare system
Written By: Udo Inobeme
11 Feb 2026 12:04 PM
Udu, Delta – A primary health care (PHC) facility in Ekete-Inland, Udu Local Government Area of Delta state, has become the focal point of public outcry after a viral social media post exposed severe overcrowding and understaffing issues that have persisted since 2008.
The Ekete PHC, designed to serve basic community needs, is reportedly handling 30-40 pregnant women for antenatal care weekly and over 100 nursing mothers for immunizations, leading to cramped conditions and inadequate service delivery.
DAILY South Nigeria gathered via a post on X Wednesday by TrackaNG, addressed directly to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the Federal Ministry of Health.
The civic organization focused on tracking public projects described the facility as "understaffed" with insufficient medical equipment.
"The matron told us the facility has been experiencing severe overcrowding," the post stated, urging immediate reconstruction to better serve the local population.
This spotlight on Ekete PHC underscores ongoing systemic issues in Delta State's healthcare landscape.
A recent spatial analysis of barriers to healthcare access in Udu LGA identified overcrowding as a major problem, affecting 80.7% of respondents, alongside long waiting times (85.4%), lack of drugs (90.4%), and high treatment costs (91.1%).
Workforce shortages are also acute, with less than 9% of PHC staff being medical doctors and over 90% female, exacerbating service gaps in rural areas.
However, the Delta State government has pushed back against criticisms of neglect, emphasizing investments in primary care.
Health Commissioner Dr. Joseph Onojaeme recently stated that the Oborevwori administration has renovated 150 PHCs across the state, with plans for another 150, aiming to upgrade 300 facilities in total to ease pressure on higher-level hospitals.
These renovations include staff quarters, improved accommodations, and better equipment, as part of the MORE Agenda.
Enrollment in the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme has surpassed 2.78 million residents as of January 2026, positioning it as a leading program nationwide.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are also revitalizing abandoned facilities, with 15 now operational under the Access to Finance program and a target of 50 by year's end. These efforts mandate round-the-clock doctor availability, aiming to improve care in hard-to-reach areas.
Despite these initiatives, advocates like TrackaNG argue that facilities like Ekete remain overlooked, calling for targeted interventions to address persistent overcrowding and resource shortages.
As maternal and child health remain critical in Nigeria, where primary care is key to reducing preventable deaths, the Ekete case may prompt further scrutiny of how oil revenues are allocated in Delta State.
The Ekete PHC, designed to serve basic community needs, is reportedly handling 30-40 pregnant women for antenatal care weekly and over 100 nursing mothers for immunizations, leading to cramped conditions and inadequate service delivery.
DAILY South Nigeria gathered via a post on X Wednesday by TrackaNG, addressed directly to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the Federal Ministry of Health.
The civic organization focused on tracking public projects described the facility as "understaffed" with insufficient medical equipment.
"The matron told us the facility has been experiencing severe overcrowding," the post stated, urging immediate reconstruction to better serve the local population.
This spotlight on Ekete PHC underscores ongoing systemic issues in Delta State's healthcare landscape.
A recent spatial analysis of barriers to healthcare access in Udu LGA identified overcrowding as a major problem, affecting 80.7% of respondents, alongside long waiting times (85.4%), lack of drugs (90.4%), and high treatment costs (91.1%).
Workforce shortages are also acute, with less than 9% of PHC staff being medical doctors and over 90% female, exacerbating service gaps in rural areas.
However, the Delta State government has pushed back against criticisms of neglect, emphasizing investments in primary care.
Health Commissioner Dr. Joseph Onojaeme recently stated that the Oborevwori administration has renovated 150 PHCs across the state, with plans for another 150, aiming to upgrade 300 facilities in total to ease pressure on higher-level hospitals.
These renovations include staff quarters, improved accommodations, and better equipment, as part of the MORE Agenda.
Enrollment in the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme has surpassed 2.78 million residents as of January 2026, positioning it as a leading program nationwide.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are also revitalizing abandoned facilities, with 15 now operational under the Access to Finance program and a target of 50 by year's end. These efforts mandate round-the-clock doctor availability, aiming to improve care in hard-to-reach areas.
Despite these initiatives, advocates like TrackaNG argue that facilities like Ekete remain overlooked, calling for targeted interventions to address persistent overcrowding and resource shortages.
As maternal and child health remain critical in Nigeria, where primary care is key to reducing preventable deaths, the Ekete case may prompt further scrutiny of how oil revenues are allocated in Delta State.
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