Oredola Adeola

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has cut off electricity supply to the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State for the second time within two weeks over an enormous ₦500 million unpaid bill.

Advisors Reports gathered that the facility was disconnected on Thursday, marking the second instance of disconnection, the consequences which could prove catastrophic for vulnerable patients.

Our correspondent gathered that the hospital was previously reconnected after a partial payment of ₦25 million, which was significantly below their average monthly electricity cost of ₦65 million, paving the way for further negotiation despite the substantial debt.

IBEDC therefore took a decisive action against the UCH following failed negotiations and non-payment of a substantial debt.

Busolami Tunwase, IBEDC Media Relations Lead, who declined to confirm the disconnection, she however promised to provide more details after obtaining the brief from the business manager of Dugbe and the field engineers.

She clarified that the issue is a regular business transaction between the utility company and its customer and not a media war.

She also mentioned that IBEDC has been managing the situation for years as the debt piled up, without going the press.

Advisors Reports further gathered that the hospital is grappling with a substantial outstanding debt amounting to N495,074,832.35.

Despite attempts to reach out to Mrs. Obafunmilayo Adetuyibi, the Public Relations Officer of UCH, our correspondent’s inquiries remained unanswered.

An unauthorized hospital official, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the debt issue stemmed from a lack of adequate time for negotiation with the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) before disconnection.

The official emphasized that UCH, as a Federal Teaching hospital, dedicated to providing life-saving medical services, relies heavily on monthly subventions from the Federal Government that often fall short of meeting escalating financial demands. 

She said, “The potential consequences of the power disconnection by IBEDC are dire, with concerns raised about the impact on patients requiring specialized care and intensive treatment.

“Without a resolution that considers the human aspect of this financial strain, UCH may face significant challenges leading to medical casualties and backlash from the community,” the UCH source told Advisors Reports.