The management of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, has announced that the provision of alternative energy sources to alleviate power outages in the hospital has reached an advanced stage.
It expressed deep concern over the inconveniences faced by patients due to the power outage in the hospital and assured that concerted efforts are being made to resolve the issue through alternative energy sources.
The Public Relations Officer of UCH, ‘Funmi Adetuyibi, disclosed this in a statement released on Wednesday, made available to journalists in Ibadan, the state capital.
Adetuyibi explained that the situation arose from the disconnection of power by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) on 26th October 2024, adding that the hospital management had held several meetings with IBEDC regarding payment arrangements.
She revealed that the hospital’s bills from IBEDC, including accumulated charges since 2019, amount to three billion, one hundred and four million, five hundred and sixty-eight thousand, one hundred and fourteen naira, sixty-one kobo (N3,104,568,114.61).
Adetuyibi noted that, to date, the hospital has paid two billion, nine hundred and sixteen million, five hundred and sixty-seven thousand, seven hundred and twenty-four naira, twenty-seven kobo (N2,916,567,724.27), leaving an outstanding balance of three hundred and ninety-two million, seventy-five thousand, one hundred and sixty-one naira, five kobo (N392,075,161.05).
She stated, “The management of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, wishes to inform patients and the general public that there have been power challenges in the hospital. We understand the concerns and inconveniences this has caused.
“The situation arose from the disconnection of power by IBEDC on 26th October 2024. However, the hospital management has held several meetings with IBEDC on payment arrangements.
“The hospital’s bills from IBEDC, including the accumulated charges since 2019, amount to three billion, one hundred and four million, five hundred and sixty-eight thousand, one hundred and fourteen naira, sixty-one kobo (N3,104,568,114.61).
“To date, the hospital has paid two billion, nine hundred and sixteen million, five hundred and sixty-seven thousand, seven hundred and twenty-four naira, twenty-seven kobo (N2,916,567,724.27), with an outstanding balance of three hundred and ninety-two million, seventy-five thousand, one hundred and sixty-one naira, five kobo (N392,075,161.05).”
Adetuyibi stated that the power disconnection has impacted the hospital’s ability to fully deliver on its mandate of clinical service, research, and training. She expressed the hospital’s empathy towards patients and their families during this period.
She added, “In a bid to mitigate the effects of this situation, management has taken steps to inform patients of the ongoing challenges.
“The management continues to engage heads of both clinical and non-clinical departments, as well as all stakeholders, to communicate with patients and their families about the power situation and the steps being taken to secure alternative sources of power.
“Alternative power sources, including backup generators, have been deployed to critical areas such as the Emergency Department, operating theatres, Intensive Care Unit, and laboratories, among others.”
Adetuyibi highlighted that solar/inverter panels have been installed in various areas of the hospital, including the Emergency Department, Main Theatre, Intensive Care Unit, Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, East 3 Ward, South East 3, Owena Dialysis Ward, High Dependency Unit, South West 2, and all clinics, including the General Out-patient Clinic and Medical Out-patient Clinic. Mini solar bulbs have also been provided to illuminate critical areas, such as the Otunba Tuwase Paediatric Ward.
Additionally, she stated that UCH has developed emergency response plans to ensure the continuity of patient care during outages.
“We prioritise patient care and safety above all. Our dedicated staff are working tirelessly to minimise service disruptions. Emergency services remain operational, and a situation room has been established to provide real-time solutions.
“Critical areas are receiving power supply, water is pumped when power is available, and patient care continues uninterrupted in essential areas. Efforts to secure alternative energy provision are at an advanced stage.
“Once again, management sincerely expresses deep regret for the inconvenience caused by this power outage. Although some delays in service delivery may occur, we are making every effort to resolve the problem swiftly.
“We want to assure the general public that UCH is committed to serving them adequately and effectively,” Adetuyibi concluded
