The University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has been struggling with power challenges following disconnection by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) over an outstanding bill of N392 million.
According to a statement released by the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, ‘Funmi Adetuyibi, the power outage has significantly impacted the hospital’s ability to provide effective healthcare services, affecting clinical, research, and training activities.
The hospital’s accumulated bill since 2019 stands at N3.1 billion, with N2.9 billion already paid, leaving an outstanding balance of N392 million.
To mitigate the effects of the power outage, the hospital management has implemented alternative power sources, including backup generators and solar panels, to critical areas such as emergency departments, operating theatres, and intensive care units.
Additionally, the hospital has:
– Established a situation room to provide real-time solutions
– Ensured emergency services remain operational
– Maintained patient care and treatment in critical areas
– Explored alternative energy provisions
The hospital management apologized for the inconvenience caused and assured patients and the general public of their commitment to providing adequate and effective healthcare services.
“We prioritize patient care and safety above all,” the statement read. “Our dedicated staff are working tirelessly to ensure minimal disruption to services.”
The hospital urged patients and the public to bear with them as efforts are underway to resolve the issue.