We make N200milion per month, fuel 75generators daily – UCH Director

Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Professor Jesse Otegbayo said the hospitals generates on the average N200 million a month and spends a huge a chunk of it on diesel to power its 75 diesel generators in the hospital.

Professor Otegbayo spoke at a media briefing to commemorate his first year in office on Monday, declared that power was the topmost challenge facing the hospital said its importance cannot be overemphasized.

The don, who said if power is taken during a surgical operation, a lot of things may go wrong stated that the major areas of need of the hospital included water supply, renovation of clinics and wards as well as the building of the hospitals outpatient extension.

According to him, “on the average, we generate on the average N200million monthly, however, what we spend on diesel and other things to keep the hospital going is so huge.

“We still have very serious challenges in the areas of power and water supply. These two are vital to the operation of the hospital. In the area of power, we have had to operate mainly on power generating sets.

“We have almost 75 generators in different locations within the premises. It is pathetic that a huge chunk of our IGR is expended on diesel to power the generators.

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“Government allocation alone cannot provide all the needed funds, so we solicit more assistance from individuals and groups in helping us to achieve our targets.”

Professor Otegbayo, who commissioned the hospital’s brachytherapy unit for treatment of cervical and prostate cancers renovated theatres for accident and emergency, and two cash and carry pharmacy, among others, said the hospital has engaged various organization to look at the possibility of establishing an independent power project and sinking of more industrial boreholes.

Professor Otegbayo said in his second year in office, the hospital will be embarking on different programmes, including cornea transplant, and the resuscitation of the hospital’s cardiac programme.