Patients and their families staged a protest at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, voicing their concerns over a prolonged 17-day power outage that has severely impacted hospital operations.
The blackout, caused by a disconnection from the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) due to unpaid bills, has led to significant disruptions in essential services at the hospital.
The power cut has particularly hindered critical medical procedures, including surgeries, diagnostic tests, and other vital healthcare services, with patients’ health and well-being increasingly jeopardized.
According to reports, the hospital has been unable to conduct necessary medical interventions, further compounding the distress faced by those in urgent need of care.
In a video shared by Oyo Affairs on X.com, protesters were seen rallying at the hospital, expressing their frustration over the ongoing power outage. They highlighted the detrimental effect on patient care, with delayed test results and postponed surgeries, particularly affecting those in critical condition.
The protesters emphasized the added strain on patients and their families, some of whom have had their surgeries rescheduled, while others are suffering due to the lack of basic amenities such as electricity and water.
One of the protesters was heard saying, “Stop killing people. People are dying here. The managers are thieves. We need light.”
UCH management has reportedly confirmed the ongoing power crisis, offering an explanation that the hospital is billed under the “Band A” electricity tariff structure, which requires a hefty monthly payment of N80 million.
