University College Hospital, Ibadan, Faces IBEDC Over ₦495m Electricity Debt Dispute

The University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan is embroiled in a conflict with the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) over an outstanding electricity debt totaling ₦495 million, accrued over three years.

IBEDC has disconnected power to the hospital on three occasions between February and March 2024 due to the accumulated debt, causing significant inconvenience to patients and medical staff.

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Relatives of patients have expressed frustration over the situation, resorting to purchasing sachets of water for essential tasks, while medical personnel have raised concerns about the impact on diagnostic services and equipment functionality.

UCH's Chief Medical Director, Prof. Abiodun Otegbayo, revealed the hospital's reliance on over 70 generators to mitigate power supply challenges, underscoring the severity of the issue.

In response, an energy committee has been formed to explore sustainable solutions to the crisis, chaired by Dr. Michael Obaro, focusing on optimizing power usage and reducing energy consumption.

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Despite efforts to address the situation, IBEDC insists on the settlement of the outstanding debt, citing financial strain on the distribution company. Johnson Tinuoye, IBEDC's Chief Key Accounts Officer, stressed the importance of prompt debt payment for uninterrupted power supply.

Meanwhile, UCH management has refuted claims of diverting funds meant for allowances and committed to resolving outstanding issues.With UCH serving a large population and hosting multiple facilities, the recurrent power outages pose significant challenges to healthcare delivery, impacting patients, their families, and medical staff alike.