Patients Protest Power Outage at UCH

Patients at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State, have protested against an extended lack of electricity and water, criticising its severe impact on essential healthcare services.

The blackout, imposed by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), has left UCH without power for 17 consecutive days, hindering critical operations such as diagnostic tests and surgeries.

In a widely shared video, distressed patients and their families can be seen demanding urgent action, chanting, “UCH, don’t kill us! We want light. You people want to destroy the prestige of UCH, it’s a premium hospital.”

This footage has heightened public concern, highlighting the difficult conditions patients face at Nigeria’s premier teaching hospital.

Hospital management stated that UCH is under the “Band A” tariff category, which obliges it to pay around N80 million monthly for power.

These high costs have reportedly strained the hospital’s finances, resulting in accumulated arrears and the recent disconnection by IBEDC. The disconnection has significantly affected hospital operations, impacting patient care the most.

UCH’s administration mentioned ongoing discussions with IBEDC to restore power while seeking manageable payment options.

Despite these talks, the prolonged power cut has led to mounting frustration among patients and their families, who are worried about delays in surgeries, diagnostic tests, and other essential healthcare services dependent on a stable electricity supply.

The power outage has not only delayed routine test results but has also endangered critical patients, with concerns raised about compromised hygiene, medication storage, and overall patient care standards at UCH.

The water shortage has added to the difficulties, affecting the ability of staff and patients to maintain basic sanitation.

This protest has led to intensified demands for government intervention, with calls for immediate action to resolve the financial and infrastructural problems at UCH.

As Nigeria’s leading teaching hospital, UCH’s situation has sparked broader discussions about the adequacy of funding and resources for public healthcare.

Advocates argue that the hospital’s struggles mirror the systemic challenges faced by healthcare facilities across the country.