Hundreds of protesters, primarily students from the University of Ibadan, took to the streets today, to voice their concerns over an ongoing 82-day power outage at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, a critical health facility in the region.
The peaceful demonstration highlighted the urgent need for reliable electricity supply to ensure the safety and well-being of patients.
The situation at UCH has been dire, with the hospital grappling with a power outage that has persisted for nearly a year, following the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) cutting off power in March 2024 due to significant debts owed by the hospital.
Protesters, holding placards with slogans such as “Power is Life” and “Restore Our Power,” called for immediate action from the government, UCH Management and IBEDC to resolve the issue.
The implications of this prolonged power failure are severe, with reports indicating that the lack of electricity has led to the deterioration of medical services and, tragically, numerous preventable deaths.
Essential medical equipment, including life-support machines, surgical tools, and refrigeration for critical medications, have been rendered inoperative, putting countless patients at risk.
Meanwhile, health professionals have also expressed their frustration over the situation, emphasizing that the power outage has not only compromised the quality of care but has also placed an enormous strain on the already overstretched healthcare system.
Dr. Adeola Oladipo, a senior physician at UCH, stated, “The absence of stable power supply has turned our hospital into a ticking time bomb. Patients requiring urgent surgical procedures are being turned away, while those admitted face dangerous conditions due to the inability to maintain essential services.
“The protest has garnered attention from local officials and human rights organizations, raising awareness about the urgent need for reforms in the management of healthcare facilities in Nigeria.
Activists argue that the government must prioritize funding and infrastructure improvements to prevent such dire situations from recurring in the future.
The demand for reliable power is not just a matter of convenience; it is a matter of life and death for countless individuals relying on the hospital for critical and life-saving treatments.