Power Disconnection Plunges UCH into Crisis as IBEDC Demands Settlement of N400m Debt

In a major setback for the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has taken the drastic step of disconnecting power supply to the renowned medical institution due to an outstanding electricity debt exceeding N400 million.

The disconnection, which took effect a few days ago, has had far-reaching consequences, disrupting crucial hospital operations and services. Operations, including radiotherapy sessions, have been canceled, and the mortuary is among the affected areas.

Angela Olanrewaju, Chief Corporate Services Officer at IBEDC, confirmed the disconnection, emphasizing the necessity of recovering the substantial debt owed by UCH. Olanrewaju stated, “The debt has increased to more than N400 million. The disconnection became inevitable because we have written four times and held several meetings with them without result. We also served them many notices without response. We need to recover the debt to provide efficient services to our customers.”

Despite the severity of the situation, the Chief Medical Director of UCH, Professor Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, declined to provide comments. However, an undisclosed source revealed that UCH has initiated negotiations in a bid to resolve the issue and restore the vital power supply to the hospital.

Inside sources at the hospital disclosed that the entire spectrum of operations has been severely affected, particularly as the backup inverter, relied upon during power outages, proves insufficient for intensive medical treatments. Numerous planned operations have been either canceled or rescheduled.

The source further expressed concerns over the potential adverse impacts on critical departments such as Radiology and the mortuary. There are apprehensions that the disruption may compromise patient care and safety, underscoring the urgency of a resolution to the financial dispute between UCH and IBEDC.