The Federal Government has been called upon to declare a state of emergency in the health sector, specifically in addressing the critical power situation at University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.
The House of Representatives made the call following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved at plenary on Wednesday by Afolabi Afuape.
The legislative chamber called on the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu to ensure immediate proactive steps are taken towards restoration of power to the institution to ensure its continuing functionality.
It also summoned the Minister of Health, Ali Pate to account for the decadence and provide a comprehensive plan to address the critical power situation at UCH, Ibadan.
The House equally invited the UCH Chief Medical Director to provide insight into the situation, and collaborate with the minister of health to find a lasting solution.
Moving the motion, Afuape observed that UCH is a critical healthcare institution that provides essential medical services in Nigeria.
He lamented that the health institution has been without power for nearly three months due to a N495 million electricity debt owed to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.
The lawmaker expressed displeasure that the situation has become so bad that relatives of patients now bring power generators and solar inverter appliances to the hospital.
Afuape added that the situation has severely impacted the institution’s ability to render adequate medical services to the people, resulting in avoidable loss of lives and livelihood.
