- The University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan has been without power since October 26, following IBEDC’s disconnection over unpaid electricity bills.
- JOHESU Chairman Oladayo Olabampe has appealed to the Federal Government for urgent assistance in resolving the power outage and preventing disruption of critical healthcare services at UCH.
The University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan faces a severe power supply crisis after being disconnected from the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) due to accumulated electricity debts. The hospital, which has been without power since October 26, is urgently calling on the Federal Government for assistance to address the issue and ensure continued operations.
Oladayo Olabampe, Chairman of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) at UCH, appealed for government intervention, stressing the dire situation the hospital is facing without electricity. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Ibadan, Olabampe described the power outage as a grave challenge that jeopardises the hospital’s ability to provide essential services to the public.
“We need help to survive,” Olabampe said. “The hospital has been without power for several weeks, and it is affecting our operations. The situation is extremely difficult for both staff and patients.”
IBEDC’s power disconnection follows the hospital’s inability to settle its outstanding electricity bills, which have accumulated over time. Olabampe pointed out that the outstanding bill is “alarming and outrageous,” especially for a health institution like UCH, which provides critical care to thousands of Nigerians.
UCH, as one of the country’s foremost tertiary health institutions, plays a significant role in treating and training medical professionals. However, the lack of a consistent power supply is severely affecting its ability to function at total capacity, with critical services such as emergency care, surgery, and intensive care units being particularly impacted. Without power, the hospital faces difficulties maintaining proper lighting, cooling systems, and equipment operations, all of which are vital for patient care.
Olabampe highlighted that the situation has reached a point where medical procedures, patient safety, and the comfort of both staff and patients are being compromised. He emphasised that the current power outage has made it nearly impossible for the hospital to operate smoothly, which could lead to serious health risks if not resolved quickly.
Like many other public hospitals, the JOHESU chairman also noted that UCH has been grappling with financial challenges, including delays in government funding and budgetary allocations. These economic constraints have made it difficult for the hospital to keep up with its utility bills, including electricity costs.
“We are calling on the Federal Government to intervene and help resolve this issue urgently,” Olabampe said. “UCH is a national asset, and the government must ensure that it has the necessary resources to continue offering life-saving services.”
As of now, the hospital remains in the dark, with no clear timeline for when the power will be restored. Olabampe’s appeal underscores the urgent need for both immediate and long-term solutions to address the infrastructure and financial challenges facing public health institutions in Nigeria.