IBEDC Restores Power to UCH after 16-Day Blackout
After 16 days of blackout due to an accumulated debt of N495 million, the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State, has had its power restored by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Sixteen days after the disconnection by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) due to unpaid bills totaling N495 million, power has been reinstated at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State.
RECOMMENDED: LASU Vice Chancellor Encourages Self-Discipline and Excellence Among Part-Time Students
According to reports, electricity was restored at approximately 6:30 pm on Thursday, marking the end of a prolonged blackout at the health facility.
The disconnection, which occurred on March 19, marked the third instance in less than two months, citing the hospital's accumulated debt as the reason.
IBEDC clarified that the decision to disconnect the facility came after repeated attempts to engage with the hospital's management regarding the longstanding debt, which had persisted for over six years.
However, it was observed that electricity had been fully restored across various departments including Family Medicine, Emergency, Nursing, Engineering, and Pharmacology, among others.
A reliable source within the institution disclosed that the hospital had made a partial payment of N80 million towards the outstanding debt, facilitating the restoration of electricity. Additionally, an agreement was reached between the hospital and IBEDC on a repayment plan for the remaining balance.
"The hospital management has paid N80 million out of the N495 million and has signed a memorandum of understanding on how to settle the rest of the debt," the source revealed.
The source further explained the challenges faced during the blackout, highlighting the necessity for alternative measures such as purchasing rechargeable lamps to attend to patients.
SEE MORE: Thomas Adewumi University Signs MoU with US University in Maryland
It was also observed that the hospital experienced reduced activity, with some wards operating at minimal capacity. Many patients were reportedly discharged due to the lack of electricity, while critical cases were admitted under strained conditions.
Surgeries and tests were predominantly conducted outside the facility due to the power outage.
Earlier reports indicated that the Joint Action Committee, representing all unions within the hospital, had issued a notice on April 2, limiting staff working hours due to the power outage.
JAC Chairman, Oludayo Olabampe, expressed relief at the restoration of electricity, confirming that staff would resume normal working hours starting Friday.
"With the restoration of electricity, we have no reason to continue the limited working hours. We will resume full operations, restoring normalcy to our services," stated Olabampe.
The reinstatement of power at UCH signifies a crucial development in ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services for patients and healthcare professionals alike.
