Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (Research and Ethics), Dr. Michael Obaro, has assured that the hospital is making frantic efforts to restore electricity, even as critical areas continue to be powered by a small solar project.
Dr. Obaro, who is also the head of the hospital’s energy committee, stated that, in addition to negotiating with IBDEC to resolve the electricity issue, the hospital has reached out to stakeholders and partners to install solar projects in critical areas.
According to him, “We have had donors contribute between eight and 20 million Naira for kilowatts to power some buildings. That’s what we are doing.”
“It’s not easy. We are facing challenges because, without power, we cannot do many things. But we hope to get back to the grid or receive an intervention, which the federal government is planning for the hospital,” he said.
When asked when IBDEC would reconnect the hospital to the national electric grid, Dr. Obaro explained that some payments have been made, and the hospital is working to meet IBDEC’s payment requests.
He, however, appealed to IBDEC to reconnect the hospital to expedite the payment of the outstanding bill.
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“Now that we are disconnected, we are not able to generate revenue at the level we were before the disconnection. This has made payment more difficult,” he added.
Oyo State Nigerian Medical Association Chairman, Dr. Happi Adedapo, reacted by saying that every well-meaning medical professional in Nigeria should be concerned about UCH Ibadan being off the national grid for such an extended period.
He urged that the 50 percent rebate on electricity bills for all tertiary institutions in Nigeria be implemented to ensure that hospitals remain functional.
According to Dr. Adedapo, “The hospital is not functioning optimally. That’s the truth of the matter. Right now, patients are facing delays in receiving care. That’s my concern. It’s not that UCH has not had power challenges in the past, but it’s never been this severe.”
“The association will continue to speak out so that the hospital does not collapse. The truth is, anyone can become a patient. Anyone can be affected by this nonperforming system. I urge the government to take action.”