Doctors and staff at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State, have implemented reduced work hours following the hospital’s admission of owing up to N495 million to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC). The outstanding debt led to the disconnection of the hospital from power supply, prompting the workforce to take action.
UCH’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Adetuyibi, acknowledged the electricity debt in an interview with The PUNCH, clarifying that the hospital’s arrears exceeded N400 million, contrary to previous statements. The IBEDC disconnected UCH on March 19, marking the third instance in less than two months, citing the long-standing N495 million debt as the reason for the action.
Despite initial discrepancies in debt figures, Adetuyibi emphasized the hospital’s urgent need for assistance in settling the outstanding amount, stating, “The truth of the matter is that we are owing IBEDC and we need help.” She highlighted the critical nature of the situation, stressing the importance of financial support to address the debt.
“From today (Tuesday), we will be ending our services by 4.00pm. Our services will be only between 8.00am and 4.00pm; no call duties, no shift duties, and no 24-hour services until when power is restored. From downscaling, we will go on a seven-day warning strike after a 14-day ultimatum that started counting on March 27.
“This will affect patients on admission because the nurses that attend to patients in the ward will close by 4.00pm. Imagine leaving the patients to be on their own from 4.00pm till 8.00 am. So, there won’t be further admission and those on admission now will have to be discharged. Also know that from 4 pm upward, if there are patients in the theatre for surgery and there is the need for blood, if you get to the blood bank, nobody will attend to you after 4 pm.
“If you need one test or the other, you won’t meet anybody in the laboratory. Radiographers will not be available, and even the dietitians who will be in charge of their meals will not be there for dinner. By now, I expect that whoever is having children in the incubator has tried to transfer them to where there is a better power supply,” he stated.
Olabampe joined the hospital in seeking help to offset the N495m bill, saying “UCH does not have the money to pay the debt”. Olabampe seek help to offset the bill.
