Reps urge FG to declare health sector emergency due to power crisis at UCH

On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the House of Representatives called on the Nigerian government to declare a state of emergency in the health sector, particularly in response to the ongoing power crisis at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan.

The House also urged the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, to take immediate action to restore power to UCH, ensuring it continues to function properly. Additionally, the lawmakers summoned the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, to explain the situation and provide a detailed plan to resolve the power crisis at the hospital.

The crisis:

The decision was made following the adoption of an urgent motion presented by lawmaker Afolabi Afuape. The House also invited the Chief Medical Director of UCH to join discussions and collaborate with the Minister of Health on finding a permanent solution.

Afuape pointed out that UCH is one of Nigeria’s most important healthcare institutions, providing essential medical services to the people. However, the hospital has been facing a severe and embarrassing power crisis. Relatives of patients have been forced to bring their own power generators and solar inverters to the hospital due to the ongoing blackout.

Power cut for months:

The blackout, which has lasted almost three months, was caused by an unpaid electricity bill of N495 million owed to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company. Afuape expressed concern that the power outage has made it difficult for UCH to deliver adequate medical care, leading to avoidable deaths, suffering, and emotional distress for many Nigerians.

In response, the House of Representatives called for the following actions:

• A state of emergency to be declared in the health sector, focusing on the critical situation at UCH.
• Immediate steps by the Minister of Power to restore electricity to the hospital.
• A public account from the Minister of Health on the condition of the hospital and a clear plan to fix the ongoing crisis.

The lawmakers emphasized that the situation at UCH is a serious issue that needs to be addressed to prevent further damage to the healthcare system in Nigeria.