Nigeria: Issele Uku indigenes rally for N40m rehabilitation fund to revive St Theresa’s hospital amidst infrastructural decay
In a bid to rejuvenate the aging St Theresa’s Hospital in Issele Uku, a group of indigenes from Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State, is fervently seeking a N40 million rehabilitation fund.
The 67-year-old hospital, once a crucial health center, now faces infrastructural decay, prompting the Issele Uku community to launch a virtual fundraising campaign scheduled for February 24, 2024, at 12:00 PM EDT, with a Zoom registration link provided: [here](https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85912456625pwd=7ln65NnbLG9BXcfVfOhTshcAjHZZe6.1).
Highlighting the hospital’s historical significance, the fundraising committee emphasised its pivotal role over six decades in providing health services when few alternatives existed.
Chairman of the committee, Dr Augustine Nwabueze passionately appealed for financial contributions, urging not only Issele Uku indigenes but also neighboring communities and the public at large to support the project.
“We are raising N40 million for St Theresa’s Hospital, Issele Uku, it is our heartfelt appeal that you join us to give this hospital a face-lift to continue to stand the test of time and meet the health needs of Issele Uku people and her neighbours,” he said.
The hospital, established in 1957 as St Theresa Maternity, later evolved into St Theresa Hospital in 1982.
Dr Nwabueze stressed its current deplorable state, calling for urgent rehabilitation, expansion of clinical facilities, and acquisition of new equipment to ensure efficient health service delivery.
“This hospital has contributed immensely to the development of the Issele Uku community while contributing in great measures to the health needs of the people. It is currently in a deplorable state and urgently needs a turnaround, rehabilitation and inclusion of more clinical buildings and equipment for an efficient health service delivery.
“We need your financial support to remodel this hospital. May God replenish you and bless you more as you join us in this fundraising project to actualise a renewed, remodeled and rebranded St Theresa Maternity Hospital”, Nwabueze added.
The organising committee encouraged indigenes of the community and well-meaning Nigerians to make donations to UBA Current Account number 2142752009 or Domiciliary Account number 3002896406.
Despite its current state of neglect, the hospital’s historical impact is noteworthy, having contributed significantly to Issele Uku’s development and improved maternal and child health.
Originally founded by Catholic Nuns to address childbirth-related fatalities, the hospital has played a vital role in reducing maternal and child mortality rates through appropriate vaccines and care.
The community now rallies together to breathe new life into this once-vital institution.
