UCH Doctors Suspend Night Shift Over Power Disconnection, Threaten Strike
University College Hospital (UCH) staff in Ibadan, Oyo state, have suspended night shift operations due to a power supply disconnection stemming from a long-standing debt issue with the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (Ibadan DisCo).
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Doctors, nurses, and other staff members at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo state, have taken a decisive step by suspending the night shift operations due to the disconnection of the hospital's power supply. This action comes in response to the prolonged power outage resulting from a dispute over outstanding debt owed to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (Ibadan DisCo).
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The health workers have made it clear that they will only work until 4:00 pm each day until the power supply is restored by the electricity distribution company. This decision has been prompted by the persistent blackout caused by a reported N495 million debt owed by the hospital, which has remained unresolved for over six years.
The situation escalated further when the Ibadan DisCo disconnected the power supply to UCH on March 19, marking the third such occurrence in less than two months. In response, the UCH workers, under the leadership of Joint Action Committee Chairman, Oludayo Olabampe, have issued a stern ultimatum to the authorities.
According to reports, Olabampe stated that if the power supply is not reinstated by Tuesday, April 9, the workers are prepared to escalate their protest by embarking on a seven-day strike. He emphasized that the decision to suspend the night shift and reduce working hours to 8:00 am to 4:00 pm daily is just the initial step in their planned course of action.
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Olabampe outlined the workers' grievances, stating, "From today (Tuesday), we will be ending our services by 4:00 pm. Our services will be only between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm; 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."
The disruption in power supply not only affects the hospital's ability to provide essential medical services but also poses a significant inconvenience to patients and their families. Without adequate electricity, crucial medical equipment may not function properly, potentially compromising patient care and safety.
As the standoff between the University College Hospital and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company persists, stakeholders and relevant authorities are urged to expedite efforts towards resolving the underlying issues to ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery for the benefit of all stakeholders involved.
