Patients Protest Blackout at UCH as Electricity Debt Halts Critical Medical Services

Patients and their families at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State, have taken to the streets to protest against a 17-day power blackout that has severely disrupted medical operations at the facility.

The ongoing electricity shortage, caused by a disconnection by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) over unpaid electricity bills, has led to significant delays in surgeries, test results, and other vital health services.

A viral video circulating on social media captures the anger of patients and relatives, with some visibly upset as they called for immediate restoration of power.

In the video, a patient is heard lamenting, “People are in pain, people are dying in the ward. UCH don’t kill us, we want light. You people want to destroy the prestige of UCH, it’s a premium hospital.”

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The blackout has thrown the hospital’s operations into disarray, with critical systems such as the hospital’s water supply, emergency lighting, and medical equipment being affected.

The hospital management, speaking to reporters, confirmed that UCH falls under the “Band A” electricity tariff structure, which requires a monthly payment of approximately N80 million.

The management expressed frustration over the prolonged disconnection, highlighting the negative impact it has had on patient care.

“Medical activities have been severely affected. The delay in test results and surgeries has put lives at risk,” said a hospital official who requested to remain anonymous.

“The disconnection over the past 17 days has not only hindered medical procedures but also worsened the overall situation for many patients, some of whom are in critical condition.”

UCH, one of the country’s top health institutions, has become the focal point of criticism, with many questioning the state of healthcare facilities in the country and the government’s role in ensuring they are adequately funded and supported.

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The blackout is just the latest in a series of challenges facing Nigeria’s public healthcare sector, which has been plagued by underfunding, strikes, and inadequate infrastructure.

In response to the ongoing situation, families of the affected patients are demanding that the government and relevant authorities take swift action to resolve the electricity issue. They have also called for more investment in the healthcare sector to prevent future occurrences of this nature.

“How do you explain a situation where an entire hospital is without power for almost three weeks? This is life and death, not a game,” one protester said, visibly upset by the conditions.