Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company , IBEDC, restored power supply to the University College Hospital, UCH, in Ibadan on Thursday night.
Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, the Chief Medical Director, CMD, of UCH, confirmed the reconnection of power to the hospital in an interview with NAN.
IBEDC had disconnected the power supply to the nation’s premier health institution on March 19 due to accumulated indebtedness.
In response, the Joint Action Committee, JAC, of UCH instructed workers to operate between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily until power was restored.
Otegbayo stated that power supply was reinstated after the hospital made a substantial payment from the amount owed.
“We have agreed on some payment terms. I don’t want to be quoting figures but we have met the conditions IBEDC gave us.
“Not all debts have been paid but we have paid as they, IBEDC, asked us to do in the payment plan and that’s why they have reconnected us,” he said.
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Otegbayo thanked all those who stood by the hospital and those who were involved in the negotiation with the electricity distribution company.
“I want to especially thank the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and others who stood by us,” Otegbayo said.
In response to the situation, the UCH JAC Chairman, Mr. Oludayo Olabampe expressed optimism that the hospital would return to normalcy once power was restored. He attributed the disruption to a lack of electricity and anticipated that staff would resume their regular duties once the issue was resolved.
Ms. Busolami Tunwase, spokesperson for IBEDC confirmed the power restoration and emphasized the company’s customer-centric approach. She confirmed that UCH had made a partial payment of the outstanding debt, and both parties had agreed on feasible payment terms.
Tunwase expressed hope that UCH would fulfill its part of the agreement to ensure continued electricity supply.
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