For more than two weeks, the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan has suffered persistent power outages due to non-payment of an electricity debt to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
According to a statement on its Facebook page, the UCH management confirmed that IBEDC intentionally disconnected power supply on October 26 over an outstanding debt of approximately N400 million, part of a staggering accumulated bill of N3.1 billion since 2019.
“This power disconnection has resulted in our inability to effectively fulfill our hospital’s mandate (clinical service, research and training) to our esteemed patients,” read the statement signed by the spokesperson, Funmi Adetuyibi.
Due to the outage, patients and their families staged a protest at the hospital on Monday, expressing frustration over the outage, which they say has led to delays in patient care, including postponement of test results.
The UCH fights against the blackout
This recent incident is a recurring problem, as the hospital faced a similar blackout in March that lasted 16 days, sparking a protest from workers who also threatened a strike.
Hospital staff, through the Joint Action Committee (JAC), expressed frustration over recurring power outages, which have hampered their ability to work efficiently.
Also in July 2022, UCH imposed daily electricity bills of N1,000 on admitted patients, citing high electricity rates and diesel costs. However, the hospital later denied this claim.
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Confirming the news to PREMIUM TIMES, an official from the hospital's works department, who requested anonymity for fear of sanctions, explained that the hospital is currently running at “a huge loss” and had to improvise by adding N1,000 to the patients' service. . carry.
The source added that the hospital receives between N50 and N60 million in electricity bills every month from the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
Alternative power supply
Addressing the latest power outage, the administration said it has implemented several measures to mitigate the effects of this hardship, including the use of alternative backup generators, solar panels/inverters and mini solar light bulbs in critical areas.
“We have developed emergency response plans to ensure seamless continuity of patient care during outages,” he said.
“We prioritize patient care and safety above all else. “Our dedicated staff are working tirelessly to ensure minimal disruption to services.”
He added that water is pumped whenever power is available and patient care and treatment continues uninterrupted in critical areas.
IBEDC speaks
IBEDC on Thursday confirmed the disconnection of the hospital from the national network over outstanding debt of N400 million.
IBEDC spokesperson Busolami Tunwase told Punch newspaper that the hospital had not fulfilled its commitment to settle the outstanding amount.
While Mrs Tunwase expressed sympathy for the hospital, she emphasized that the IBEDC had no choice but to take this action due to increasing pressure to meet its financial obligations to stakeholders.
“However, the IBEDC reiterated its commitment to working with UCH and remains open to discussions on a flexible payment arrangement that both parties could mutually agree to,” it said.
IBEDC explained that the company is expected to meet 100 percent of its market obligations and that outstanding debt from major clients such as UCH directly contributes to the liquidity crisis in Nigeria's energy sector.