National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, is calling on the Federal Government to urgently step in after the hospital was plunged into darkness following the disconnection of electricity by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) due to unpaid bills.
The JOHESU Chairman at UCH, Mr. Oladayo Olabampe, expressed deep concern over the situation, which has left the hospital without power since October 26.
He explained, “The power costs are overwhelming; they are literally killing our operations. We pay between N70 million and N80 million each month for electricity, yet we’re still forced to rely on diesel to keep essential services running.”
Olabampe highlighted the financial strain on UCH, revealing that the hospital’s monthly electricity expenses have become unsustainable.
“The bills from IBEDC are alarming and outrageous for an institution like UCH. The government must step in to assist the hospital,” he pleaded.
He pointed out that IBEDC had classified UCH under the high-cost Band A electricity tariff, which the hospital cannot afford. “This is why the hospital management requested that IBEDC downgrade UCH to Band B, where the costs are more manageable. However, IBEDC has yet to make this change,” Olabampe stated.
The JOHESU Chairman called on the Federal Government to press IBEDC to reduce UCH’s tariff band, adding that many patients at UCH struggle to afford their treatments, further compounding the hospital’s financial woes.
“Federal government hospitals like UCH are meant to provide welfare services,” he emphasized. “At times, some patients can’t even pay after receiving treatment due to financial constraints.”
Olabampe also appealed to philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to come to the hospital’s aid, given its critical role in providing healthcare to the public.
He concluded by urging IBEDC to reconnect the hospital while a workable payment plan is negotiated.
“We ask IBEDC to work with UCH management to settle part of the outstanding bill for now, so they can reconnect us while payment negotiations continue,” he added.
