The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has implored Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company to reclassify University College Hospital’sTariff Structure.
The students also advised the power company to stop charging the medical institution under an industrial tariff structure.
Comrade Oladimeji Uthman
Clerk of the Senate, NANS,said these at a press briefing whic held at the Hassan Sumonu Court NLC Hall, FCT Abuja .
He said: “UCH is not a profit-making industry but a public health institution that renders essential services. The hospital’s tariff classification must reflect its non-commercial status to alleviate its financial burden.
“Proper Meter Placement. IBEDC should install UCH’s meter after their transformer. The current placement of the meter before the transformer leads to inflated readings, forcing the hospital to pay for unused energy. This technical adjustment will ensure fair billing practices and prevent further financial strain on UCH.
“Return to Band B Tariff Classification. The University College Hospital (UCH) should be removed from Band A and reassigned to Band B, which is more affordable and sustainable for the health institution. This reclassification will enable the hospital to meet its obligations without compromising the quality of care provided to patients.
“Compliance with NERC Regulations on Life-Saving Machines. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) explicitly prohibits the disconnection of electricity to facilities that house life-saving machines. IBEDC must strictly adhere to this regulation and put a halt to disconnection of power at UCH to prevent further endangerment of lives.”
“Acknowledge IBEDC’s financial obligations, NANS reminded all stakeholders that healthcare institutions like University College Hospital (UCH) are critical to the survival and well-being of the populace, saying the disconnection between profit-driven decisions and public health necessities must be bridged with empathy and pragmatism.”
He called on the management of the IBEDC to urgently engage with the hospital management and implement the above-listed demands to end the timely crises.
Besides,he appealed to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI) to pay its portion of the indebtedness of UCH to IBEDC for power supply to the College of Medicine, Alexander Brown Hall and Professor Ayodele Falase Postgraduate Hall that is situated within UCH premises.
According to him,there was need for the Federal Ministry of Power and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to intervene and ensure compliance, advocate for funding, and give maximum support to the UCH to address the financial challenges and prevent future occurrences.
He lamented the disconnection of the medical institution by the power firm ,saying that the development has had dire consequences, affecting critical healthcare services and learning among student medical students of the teaching hospital.
He said: “The disconnection of UCH’s power supply on October 26, 2024, due to an outstanding debt of approximately N400 million; a fraction of an accumulated bill of N3.1 billion since 2019 has led to significant disruptions in patient care, research, and training at the institution despite the health institution made payment of N2.9 billion at the same year.”
He added that the situation has escalated to the point where patients, families, and staff are facing avoidable hardships, including postponed test results, cancelled surgeries, and reliance on flashlights in various wards at the hospital, saying the issue demands urgent and humane resolution.
He said:”The inability of UCH to deliver on its mandate as a leading healthcare institution jeopardizes the lives of patients and the future of students undergoing training at the hospital.”
