Protest rocks UCH over persistent power outage

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Persistent power outage at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, has taken another twist as relatives and friends of in- and outdoor patients staged a peaceful protest in Ibadan on Monday.

Efforts of the management team to pacify the protesters proved abortive as they lamented over the insensitivity of the relevant authorities to their plight.

They argued that patients are not left alone in the present situation as it affects the entire workforce of the institution.

Tribune Online had earlier reported that the present situation has forced the relocation of patients with critical ailments to private hospitals within and outside the state.

The development has triggered off the protest as relations submitted that patients are being subjected to an untold hardship.

One of the protesters said, “We are tired of the sufferings that our loved ones are being subjected to. Patients are dying because required medical tests cannot be carried out on them.

”The outages have not only hindered immediate medical assessments but have also severely complicated ongoing treatments, leaving families in a state of despair.

“Hospital administration has a responsibility to ensure a safe and reliable environment for both patients and staff. The risk of having medical procedures interrupted or delayed due to power failures is unacceptable in any healthcare setting.”

Also speaking, another protester who identifies himself as Adetumji Lawal noted that the power outage raises a pertinent question: “What measures can be implemented to ensure that power supply becomes a priority for healthcare facilities like UCH?

“The threat of healthcare workers downing tools serves as a powerful reminder of the stakes involved in this issue. Medical professionals are dedicated to their work, but their safety and the safety of their patients must come first.

“The reality of healthcare services in Nigeria, often challenged by inadequate infrastructure, must be addressed with urgency and commitment.”

According to him, the UCH is not the only institution grappling with these challenges, but it is critical that the government and relevant authorities take heed of their protest.

Lawal added that ensuring a consistent power supply was not just a logistical issue; it is a moral imperative that directly impacts the lives of countless individuals relying on the health services provided by institutions like UCH.

He stated that the protests underscored a significant crisis that affects not only the patients and their families but also the dedicated healthcare workers who strive to provide care amid challenging conditions.

He stressed that a concerted effort must be made to resolve the power supply issues to safeguard the health and well-being of the community, while adding that the lives of many depend on it.

It was gathered that a few hours after the protest, the electricity supply was restored to the facility.

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