After sixteen days of enduring power outage, University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State, finally saw its power supply restored following disconnection by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) due to an outstanding debt of N495 million.
The restoration of power occurred around 6:30 pm on Thursday, marking an end to the prolonged blackout that had impacted various operations within the health facility.
The IBEDC had disconnected the hospital’s electricity on March 19, citing accumulated bill indebtedness as the reason for the action, marking the third disconnection in less than two months. Despite attempts to engage with the hospital’s management regarding the debt, which had persisted for over six years, the IBEDC proceeded with the disconnection.
Observers noted that power had been fully restored to crucial departments such as Family Medicine, Emergency, Nursing, Engineering, and Pharmacology. A source within the institution disclosed that the hospital had made a partial payment of N80 million towards the outstanding debt, in addition to signing a memorandum of understanding with the IBEDC on how to settle the remaining amount.
The power outage had significantly affected the hospital’s operations, forcing workers to resort to rechargeable lamps to attend to patients. During this period, hospital staff discharged many patients, admitting critical cases under challenging conditions, and relocating surgeries and tests.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing all unions in the hospital, had issued a notice earlier, stating that staff would only work from 8 am to 4 pm due to the power outage. With electricity restored, JAC Chairman Oludayo Olabampe confirmed that health workers would fully resume duties from Friday, expressing relief.
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