UCH Plunged into Darkness as Power Cut Continues
In a worrying development, the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan faces a critical power and water shortage after 17 consecutive days without electricity. Families of patients and affected staff took to the hospital grounds to protest the outage, demanding urgent action as they face disrupted medical services and diminished patient care standards.
Mounting Tensions Over Unpaid Electricity Bills
The prolonged blackout stems from UCH’s unpaid electricity bills, which the hospital has struggled to meet. According to the hospital management, the institution falls under the “Band A” electricity tariff, incurring a substantial monthly bill of around N80 million. However, an outstanding balance owed to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) led to the drastic measure of disconnection, leaving critical areas of the hospital without power or water.
Impact on Essential Medical Services
The impact of the blackout on UCH’s operations is dire. Essential services, from surgical procedures to laboratory testing, have been disrupted, with some procedures postponed or delayed due to lack of power. “You people want to destroy the prestige of UCH; it’s a premium hospital,” voiced a distressed protester in a video circulating online, capturing the frustration of patients and families as well as fears about deteriorating patient safety.
Protests Amplify Patient and Family Distress
Protests continued outside the hospital, with family members voicing anger and despair. Many held placards, and shouts of “UCH, don’t kill us! We want light!” echoed through the hospital grounds. The protest highlighted concerns not only for immediate patient care but also for the long-term reputation and operational stability of Nigeria’s foremost medical institution.
Electricity Crisis Sparks National Outcry
The UCH power crisis adds to nationwide frustration over rising electricity costs amidst regular power grid failures. Despite multiple tariff hikes, Nigerians continue to face unreliable electricity supply, with 2024 alone recording eleven major grid collapses. Citizens are calling for reform, condemning the high costs that have yet to ensure stable power for essential services like healthcare.
Calls for Swift Government Intervention
As the blackout lingers, Nigerians and healthcare advocates are urging swift intervention from both the government and hospital administration. UCH’s electricity woes have highlighted broader issues within Nigeria’s healthcare and power sectors, calling for a renewed focus on sustainable and reliable infrastructure to prevent further disruptions in critical services.
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