The chairman of the Joint Health Sector Unions at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Mr. Oladayo Olabampe, has appealed for the Federal Government’s intervention after UCH was left without power for over two weeks.
The hospital’s electricity was disconnected on October 26 by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company due to outstanding bills.
“The bill is killing. IBEDC put UCH on Band A, but we can’t afford the bill of Band A,” he said. “We now want the government to prevail on IBEDC to return UCH to Band B, where it can afford to pay,” Olabampe said.
He explained that the monthly electricity charges range from N70 million to N80 million, and the hospital must also spend extra money on diesel due to the lack of a 24-hour power supply from IBEDC.
Olabampe urged philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to come to the hospital’s aid, saying, “Federal Government-owned hospitals like UCH are meant for public welfare, and sometimes, patients can’t even afford to pay after being treated.”
On Monday, families and friends of patients gathered outside UCH to protest against the ongoing power failure, stating that the outages have severely affected medical care. One protester said, “We are tired of the sufferings our loved ones are being subjected to. Patients are dying because required medical tests cannot be carried out.”
Adetunji Lawal, a protester, questioned the government’s priorities, asking, “What measures can be implemented to ensure that power supply becomes a priority for healthcare facilities like UCH? Medical professionals are dedicated, but their safety and the safety of their patients must come first.”
He added that the protests highlight a widespread crisis affecting not only patients and their families but also the healthcare workers committed to delivering care under these difficult conditions.
Lawal emphasised that restoring power at UCH is not just a logistical concern but a moral one. “Ensuring a consistent power supply is critical; it directly impacts the lives of those relying on the healthcare services at UCH,” he said.
